Edgar Berlanga’s declaration to “take over” the super middleweight division reveals more about his confidence than his actual standing in boxing’s competitive landscape. With a record of 23 wins and only one defeat—by knockout at the hands of Canelo Alvarez—Berlanga exhibits a mixture of bravado and naivety. His proclaimed ambitions, including a desire for an immediate rematch with Canelo and plans to dominate 168 pounds, seem disconnected from the current boxing reality. His self-assurance, while admirable from a fighter’s perspective, ignores the harsh truth: he has yet to establish himself as a serious threat among the division’s elite contenders.
The super middleweight class is stacked with seasoned champions and hungry challengers who have paid their dues inside the ring. Berlanga’s recent fights, particularly his victory over journeyman opponents, scarcely showcase the consistency or skill required to state he’s ready to “run the division.” His recent victory against a limited opponent like Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, who was clearly overmatched, does little to bolster his reputation. It appears that Berlanga is more driven by dreams of fame and headlines rather than a realistic assessment of his current position.
Misjudging Opportunities and Overestimating Power
Berlanga’s eagerness for a rematch against Canelo raises questions about his strategic thinking. With only one fight since their September encounter—an quick, relatively unimpressive win—it’s clear that a rematch is a pipe dream in the immediate future. Promoters and sanctioning bodies are unlikely to prioritize Berlanga, especially considering his limited resume and lack of recent compelling performances.
Furthermore, his statement about “taking over” the division overlooks the brutal reality of boxing: skills, consistency, and an ability to adapt. Berlanga’s punch power, once heralded, has not translated into sustained dominance. His vulnerabilities have shown through his history of being dropped by lesser-known fighters like Marcelo Coceres and struggling to secure convincing wins. These blemishes suggest that, contrary to his confident proclamations, Berlanga still needs to prove himself as a resilient and adaptable boxer before claiming any division.
Approaching the Ring with Reckless Confidence
Berlanga’s attitude towards upcoming fights reveals a potential flaw—overconfidence bordering on recklessness. His dismissive comments about his upcoming opponent, Hamzah Sheeraz, reflect an attitude that underestimates the risks involved in boxing. While confidence is essential, it must be paired with humility and preparation. His prediction of “dusting” Sheeraz and sending him “back to the UK” may serve as motivation, but it also masks the reality that the bout is more unpredictable than Berlanga admits.
The danger lies in his pattern of making bold statements while neglecting the challenge of consistent performance. Other fighters who have been overly self-assured often falter when faced with opponents who can punch, adapt, and fight back. Berlanga’s past struggles against fighters like Steve Rolls and Roamer Angulo further emphasize that his power alone may not be enough to guarantee victory, especially against a more skilled or motivated adversary.
Evaluating the Broader Implications for Berlanga’s Career
The broader issue is that Berlanga’s narrative is built more on hype than substance. His aspirations of super stardom are commendable, but they risk leading him into high-profile fights prematurely. It’s essential for fighters like Berlanga to recognize their limitations and to strive for growth through consistent, tough competition rather than inflated promises.
Real progress requires humility and acknowledgment of existing gaps. Right now, Berlanga’s trajectory seems skewed by a desire for quick fame and marquee matchups rather than strategic development. Without significant improvement and more credible wins, his claims of “taking over” the division will remain unfulfilled pipe dreams, at best.
Instead of dreaming about fighting Canelo again or James Dean-esque claims of dominance, Berlanga should focus on refining his craft, earning respect through leveling up against the division’s best. Otherwise, his career risks being a flash in the pan—an overly confident fighter with a gaudy record but lacking the resilience and skill necessary for sustained greatness.