Edgar Berlanga’s recent bout against Canelo Alvarez was a high-profile challenge that many boxing fans anticipated. Although Berlanga ultimately lost the fight, the 12 rounds he spent in the ring with the sport’s biggest star showcased his resilience and tenacity. At 27 years old, Berlanga demonstrated that he is not just another fighter in the pack; instead, he has emerged as a contender capable of competing at the highest level. Rather than diminishing his reputation, this loss may serve as a stepping stone for Berlanga, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his boxing career.
In the aftermath of the fight, the attention quickly shifted to what matches may lie ahead for the aspiring champion. The nature of professional boxing is such that it’s common for the discussion about a fighter’s future to begin almost immediately following a bout. Berlanga, with a record of 22 wins and just 1 loss, is left with a wealth of potential matchups on the horizon. The strategic question becomes: who should Berlanga face next?
As the 168-pound division continues to draw attention, Berlanga finds himself in a crowded field of capable opponents. Speculation about potential matchups has already begun to circulate, with boxing aficionados discussing the merits of a fight against Caleb Plant. Known for his dynamic style and colorful persona, Plant’s recent victory over Trevor McCumby adds weight to the idea of him facing Berlanga. Leonard Ellerbe, a notable figure in boxing promotion, has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that a matchup between Plant and Berlanga would be a “war.” This statement resonates, as both fighters possess power and a willingness to engage, promising an exciting bout that fans would be eager to witness.
Another intriguing possibility arises with the potential clash against Trevor McCumby, who, despite not winning against Plant, highlighted his stamina and punching power during their encounter. Fans are left to ponder whether McCumby could pose unique challenges for Berlanga. Would Berlanga find a way to neutralize McCumby’s strengths, or would it be a case of a classic match of elevation for both fighters?
The division also boasts rising talents such as Christian Mbilli, who recently put forth an impressive performance against Sergey Derevyanchenko. His aggressive fighting style and desire for the biggest challenges make a bout with Berlanga appealing. Fans would undoubtedly pay to see two athletic fighters square off in the ring, testing each other’s limits.
Another name that cannot be overlooked is Diego Pacheco, a young contender who has shown promise and ambition in the ring. With Pacheco getting noteworthy victories under his belt, a bout against Berlanga could serve as a defining moment for both fighters. If Pacheco, who’s made an assertion that he’s ready for Canelo, is able to thwart Berlanga’s plans, he could catapult himself into title contention. In the same vein, Berlanga would need to assert his dominance to prove he remains a significant threat in the division.
Jaime Munguia is another intriguing possibility, especially as he shares the experience of going the distance with Canelo. With both fighters eager to rebound after their defeats, a clash between Munguia and Berlanga could not only serve to elevate one fighter but also give the fans an entertainment spectacle.
Moreover, Berlanga’s aspirations for a title could lead him to face the winner of the anticipated match between William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin. Given the stakes involved in such a fight, Berlanga could find himself contending for the IBF belt at 168 pounds sooner than expected.
Despite experiencing a setback against Canelo, Berlanga remains a respected figure in boxing, and it’s crucial that he utilizes his recent experience to build momentum rather than dwindle in defeat. He has shown he possesses the chin, stamina, and ability to compete effectively—key assets that can prove invaluable as he navigates through future matchups. The central question remains: can he build on this foundation and overcome the prominent fighters in his weight class?
As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Berlanga’s career, the possibilities abound. Whether it’s matching wits and fists with established competitors or rising stars, each fight presents an opportunity to redefine his trajectory. Therefore, the days following his fight with Canelo may very well lay the groundwork for an exciting and impactful future in boxing.