Edgar Berlanga, the rising star of the boxing world, finds himself on an ambitious quest that could redefine his career. With aspirations centered around a rematch with the illustrious Canelo Alvarez, Berlanga is strategically targeting three fighters to pave his way: Jaime Munguia, Jermall Charlo, and Caleb Plant. While his confidence is commendable, a closer evaluation of these potential matchups reveals concerns that extend beyond mere ambition.
Berlanga currently boasts a record of 23 wins and 1 loss, with 18 victories by knockout. His compelling claim hinges on the belief that a string of victories against Munguia, Charlo, and Plant would force Canelo’s hand in a rematch. However, one must question the validity of this pathway. Are these contenders truly the gatekeepers of a Canelo rematch, or are they merely stepping stones in a precariously placed strategy?
The Misleading Allure of Size
One distinguishing characteristic of Berlanga is his size, which he believes could be a decisive factor in his future bouts. Recent performances suggest that Berlanga has stepped away from the super middleweight classification, sparking debates about his physical readiness for the challenges ahead. The reality that Berlanga missed weight in his last fight raises serious questions about his preparations and discipline. He entered the ring not as a super middleweight, but with the daunting presence of a cruiserweight. This lack of adherence to weight class standards not only jeopardizes his performance but also undermines his credibility among peers.
Examining the trio of fighters he targets reveals mixed results. Jermall Charlo, who has been absent from the ring for nearly two years, presents a questionable test, even at his prime. Charlo’s long layoff contributes to skeptics doubting whether he still possesses the skills to pose a serious threat, raising concerns over the relevance of this potential bout.
Conversely, Jaime Munguia’s career trajectory has not been stellar. After experiencing a knockout loss in his previous fight and failing to shine in his encounter with Canelo, he now sports a less-than-stellar record against elite competition. Together, these factors leave one to wonder, is Berlanga truly chasing champions, or is he opting for faded names in hopes of building momentum?
The Fragile Landscape of Caleb Plant
Then comes Caleb Plant, a fighter who is known for his technical skills but has seemingly retreated himself from the foreground of elite competition. While Berlanga expresses the intent to “retire” Plant, it raises eyebrows considering Plant’s tactical prowess in the ring. Berlanga’s assertion could lead to a sense of overconfidence, hinting at his underestimation of Plant’s abilities. Should they meet, it is plausible that Plant could outbox Berlanga just as Canelo did, leaving Berlanga’s aspirations of a rematch shattered.
In claiming that “there’s nobody like me fighting at the elite level,” Berlanga appears to overlook the fact that the boxing community is filled with talented fighters who can dismantle his ambitions. He cites the need to “clean out” the super middleweight division, yet the fighters he seeks to obliterate aren’t holding championship titles or invoking fear. Much of his bravado may serve more to appease his fans and ignite interest in upcoming bouts than to literally dismantle the division.
Negotiations and Future Fights
Berlanga’s closed-door negotiations with DAZN illustrate his desire for control over his career trajectory. However, the approach of going “straight to the source” rather than aligning with a promoter appears ambitious in theory but might not yield the best results. A seasoned promoter’s guidance could enhance Berlanga’s opportunities and ensure that he is presented as a must-see fighter in the boxing arena.
Berlanga’s vision stretches into the late 2020s, an expected timeline for a fighter looking to establish himself among legends. However, this future hinges not merely on names but on the performances he can muster against formidable opponents. Winning against Munguia, Charlo, and Plant isn’t just about imprinting names on a record; it’s about showcasing skill and dominance. His claim that past physical setbacks hampered his performance against Canelo, while an understandable excuse, does little to detract from the necessity of overcoming high-stakes opponents moving forward.
Ultimately, Berlanga’s ambitions, though grand, must transform into a tangible reality in the ring. The boxing world is waiting to see not just his aspirations, but whether he can substantiate them with solid performances against the fighters who could either make or break his career.