Caleb Plant recently offered advice to Edgar Berlanga ahead of his fight against Canelo Alvarez on September 14th. He emphasized the importance of focusing on Canelo rather than allowing distractions to take over, as demonstrated during their press conference in Los Angeles.
During the press conference, Berlanga engaged in a war of words with former IBF super middleweight champion Plant, drawing unexpected defense from Canelo himself. This behavior suggests that Berlanga may be feeling the pressure and distractions associated with the upcoming fight. Critics have questioned his worthiness of the title shot and his chances of winning against Canelo, which may be affecting his focus.
Despite Berlanga’s lack of experience at this level, the World Boxing Association elevated him to the #1 slot following his victory over Padraig McCrory. This unexpected rise in rankings has put Berlanga in a challenging position, facing a formidable opponent like Canelo. Plant criticized the decision to give Berlanga this opportunity, highlighting his lack of experience and the need to concentrate on the present challenge.
Berlanga’s Lack of “IQ”
While Berlanga possesses significant power, his vulnerability in terms of chin durability and handling hits has been exposed in previous fights. Instances like appearing to bite an opponent during a fight and being dropped by lesser-known fighters indicate his shortcomings. Plant emphasized the importance of bringing more than just power to the table and suggested that Berlanga may lack the necessary “IQ” for success in the ring.
Plant’s advice to Berlanga underscores the importance of focusing on the task at hand and avoiding distractions. Berlanga’s behavior and questionable ranking raise concerns about his preparedness for the upcoming fight. His lack of “IQ” in handling hits and maintaining composure under pressure may prove to be his downfall against a seasoned opponent like Canelo Alvarez. It remains to be seen whether Berlanga can rise to the occasion and prove his critics wrong on September 14th.