Edgar Berlanga, a name that has increasingly become synonymous with both promise and controversy in boxing, recently made headlines with his ambitious goal of facing Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a 150-pound catchweight bout by 2025. Berlanga, a former super middleweight title challenger hailing from Brooklyn, New York, holds a professional record of 22 wins and just one loss, with 17 of those victories coming by knockout. While his confidence is commendable, the practicality of dropping 40 pounds to meet Davis poses serious questions regarding the fighter’s health, performance, and the nature of such matchups in boxing.
Weight Management and Diet Considerations
Berlanga’s consideration to adopt a fasting diet—modeling his approach after rapper 50 Cent—brings to light a broader discussion around weight management in combat sports. The notion of drastically cutting weight is not new to boxing, with many fighters engaging in extreme measures to make weight for bouts. Berlanga believes that he can successfully shed this weight, especially since a substantial portion likely consists of water weight. However, the dangers associated with rapid weight loss are well-documented, and the consequences can adversely affect performance in the ring. The question remains: does Berlanga’s desire for a fight with Davis justify the risk?
Berlanga’s attempt to position himself as a contender akin to Jake Paul—or perhaps more accurately, as an opportunist—cannot be overlooked. His string of victories against lesser-known fighters has drawn criticism and raised eyebrows concerning the integrity of his rise through the ranks. Fighting against names like Padraig McCrory and Steve Rolls may have facilitated his ascent towards a title shot against Canelo Alvarez, but defeating lower-tier opponents is not necessarily a formula for sustained success in the boxing fraternity. The boxing community is replete with fighters who have garnered followings based on actual competitive pedigree, which cannot be overlooked.
One critical factor in Berlanga’s aspirations is the commercial viability of such a fight. While he called out high-profile boxers, including the likes of Anthony Joshua and Jermall Charlo, Berlanga’s relative obscurity among mainstream boxing fans contrasts starkly with the massive marketability of a fighter like Gervonta Davis. Davis’s dynamic persona, coupled with an impressive record of 30 wins and no losses, affords him leverage over potential matchups. Berlanga’s lack of broad appeal, particularly after his lackluster performance against Canelo, could make it challenging to entice Davis into the ring. The weight of popularity clearly plays a significant role in modern boxing’s business dynamics.
Berlanga’s future is at a crossroads; he has the option to either prove his mettle against top-level fighters, negotiate more realistic weight divisions, or continue in the untested waters of public appeals. The boxing world is rife with talent, and while ambition is the lifeblood of a fighter’s career, it must also be accompanied by substantial preparation and strategic foresight. As he prepares to chart a course forward, Berlanga must take a moment to assess not just his physical readiness, but also his standing in a competitive ecosystem where every fight can significantly shape a career.