On March 15th, boxing fans will witness a pivotal bout featuring super middleweight prospect Edgar Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) going toe-to-toe with unbeaten contender Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (20-0-1, 16 KOs). This matchup, taking place at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, will be live-streamed on DAZN as part of an undercard event that includes a main attraction between Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and Patrice Volny. The positioning of Berlanga on the undercard raises eyebrows, especially considering the trajectory of his career and the expectations surrounding him.
One significant question looms over this bout: why has Berlanga descended to fight on an undercard after a high-profile loss? The answer may lie in strategic caution adopted by his promotional team at Matchroom. Following his unanimous decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez in September, Berlanga is being carefully managed through this encounter against Gonzalez-Ortiz, who, despite being unbeaten, comes with asterisks—his advanced age at 35 and an alarming 10-year hiatus from the sport. These factors contribute to the narrative of Berlanga’s gradual return to form, as both his management and the boxer himself seem wary of jumping back into the deep end of the division’s elite fighters.
This cautious approach suggests an underlying concern about Berlanga’s readiness to face top-tier opponents. The expectation is not only to secure a win against Gonzalez-Ortiz but to do so convincingly, thereby boosting his stock as he aims for larger and more lucrative matchups, potentially targeting a rematch with Alvarez or a clash with Jaime Munguia.
Looking toward Gonzalez-Ortiz, his story is equally intriguing. Having climbed the boxing ranks from 2009 to 2014, his sudden disappearance from the sport left many questioning what had transpired. With only a handful of notable victories to his name, it wasn’t until his recent comeback with wins over lesser-known fighters that he re-entered the conversation. The 35-year-old challenger may be seen as a stepping stone for Berlanga, yet his experience and ability to defy odds should not be underestimated. The resurgence of fighters in their mid-30s has become more prevalent, challenging the perception of age in boxing and complicating predictions about upcoming fights.
Yet, questions linger regarding his preparation and ability to compete at a level required to trouble Berlanga, especially after a prolonged absence. Fans and analysts alike will be scrutinizing this bout not only for its immediate outcomes but for its implications on both fighters’ careers moving forward.
For Berlanga, the fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz is more than just a rebound opportunity; it is pivotal for his career trajectory. He made a substantial earning of $10 million in his last bout against Canelo, fueling aspirations for high-profile showdowns. A decisive victory could solidify his status as a genuine contender in the super middleweight division, while an unsatisfactory performance raises doubts and could signal a longer path to recovery.
With the stakes high as he endeavors to re-establish himself, fans will be attentive to see if Berlanga can reclaim his footing in the boxing world against an unpredictable opponent who has proved resilient—an essential element to watch when the bell rings on March 15th.