Edgar Berlanga, a rising star in the super middleweight division, is poised for an exciting return to the ring on March 8th, and he’s eyeing a series of formidable opponents in a bid to elevate his career. His recent antics on social media, particularly a frenetic video showcasing his newfound upper body movements, hint at his commitment to refining his skills. While the clip may have seemed amusing to some, it’s clear that Berlanga is earnest about showcasing improved agility and defensive strategies in his upcoming fights.
The intense energy Berlanga exhibited in the video clip reveals a boxer determined to engage with serious competition after a less than stellar moment in his career. With a professional record of 22 wins (17 by knockout) and one loss, the Brooklyn native is keen to put himself back on the map. Key to his strategy appears to be an array of upper body movement techniques, aimed at evading blows from the six opponents he has designated for his so-called “hit list.” Each fighter represents a unique challenge, and Berlanga seems to embrace the prospect of facing intense pressure head-on.
Leading his charge is Jaime Munguia, a fighter who, like Berlanga, has ambitions to claim a significant spot in boxing history, particularly via the lucrative Puerto Rico versus Mexico narrative—a match-up that has drawn in substantial pay-per-view numbers historically. Berlanga is banking on this rivalry to galvanize fans, promoting the fight as both a personal vendetta and a cultural showcase between two passionate boxing communities. However, following Munguia’s recent knockout loss to Bruno Surace, Berlanga must be cautious. This defeat could make it harder for him to forge a path back to a title shot, especially against an opponent like Canelo Alvarez, who remains the quintessential measuring stick in the division.
Addressing Vulnerabilities
Despite Berlanga’s confidence, there are clear weaknesses that need addressing if he is to contend with the elite of super middleweights. His punch resistance came under scrutiny during bouts with Canelo and Roamer Alexis Angulo, where defensive lapses resulted in him being knocked down. This highlighted a potential chink in his armor, suggesting that while he may have knockout power, his ability to absorb punishment is still questionable. Strengthening his defensive capabilities will be crucial not just for securing victories but for ensuring longevity in a punishing sport.
Berlanga’s aspirations include formidable names such as Jermall Charlo and Caleb Plant. While these match-ups promise excitement, Charlo’s sporadic appearances in recent years have raised concerns about the viability of this fight. Unless some significant investment is made, particularly from foreign backers like Turki Al-Sheikh, the chances of Berlanga stepping into the ring with Charlo seem slim. Meanwhile, other targets like Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz offer avenues for Berlanga to regain momentum and welcome competition that could ultimately lead him back to the title picture.
Edgar Berlanga’s journey through the super middleweight landscape is laden with high stakes, fierce rivals, and personal challenges. With his recent commitment to improve and the backing of an enthusiastic fanbase, Berlanga remains a compelling figure to watch, but his path to redemption will require not just talent but resilience and strategic mastery as well.