Eddie Hearn has raised eyebrows in the boxing world with his decision to fast-track Edgar Berlanga into a mega-fight against Canelo Alvarez for the WBA, WBC, and WBO super-middleweight titles on September 14th. Berlanga, who boasts a perfect record of 22-0 with 14 knockouts, has only faced subpar opposition on his way to claiming the WBA #1 ranking. Hearn’s strategy to propel Berlanga into the limelight has left many wondering if the Puerto Rican fighter is truly ready for such a monumental challenge.
Berlanga’s resume is noticeably lacking in terms of notable names or significant victories. His recent opponents have included the likes of Jason Quigley, Padraig McCrory, and Marcelo Coceres, none of whom are considered upper echelon fighters in the super-middleweight division. This begs the question of whether Berlanga has been adequately tested and whether he possesses the skills and experience to compete at the elite level.
Questionable Promotional Tactics
While Hearn touts his ability to deliver on promises made to Berlanga, the circumstances surrounding the fighter’s rise to a lucrative bout with Canelo Alvarez raise concerns about the ethics of boxing promotion. By bypassing a potential matchup with WBA ‘regular’ super middleweight champion David Morrell, Berlanga’s route to the Canelo fight has been criticized as a calculated cash-out opportunity rather than a legitimate career progression.
Hearn’s decision to match Berlanga against relatively unknown and low-risk opponents before securing the Canelo fight has led to skepticism within the boxing community. The lack of quality opposition faced by Berlanga suggests that his promotion has been more focused on maximizing financial gains rather than nurturing his talent and ensuring his long-term success in the sport.
Facing the Canelo Challenge
As Berlanga prepares to step into the ring with one of boxing’s biggest stars, the odds seem stacked against him. Despite Hearn’s confidence in Berlanga’s abilities as a strong and aggressive fighter, many believe that he is ill-prepared to face a seasoned champion like Canelo Alvarez. The Puerto Rican’s vulnerability, as demonstrated by his struggles against lesser opponents such as Marcelo Coceres, raises doubts about his chances of being competitive in the upcoming bout.
While Hearn revels in the opportunity presented by the Canelo fight, questions linger about the true motivations behind his decision to expedite Berlanga’s ascent to stardom. The juxtaposition of Berlanga’s untested credentials against Canelo’s proven track record as a dominant force in the super-middleweight division underscores the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead for the young contender.
Eddie Hearn’s handling of Edgar Berlanga’s career trajectory raises concerns about the exploitative nature of boxing promotion and the impact it can have on the development of young fighters. While the lure of a ‘golden ticket’ to a high-profile matchup may seem enticing, the long-term implications of such hasty matchmaking decisions remain to be seen. As Berlanga prepares to face Canelo Alvarez, the boxing world watches with bated breath to see whether this gamble will pay off or if it will ultimately leave a promising talent stranded in a sea of missed opportunities.