Edgar Berlanga has recently stepped into the spotlight with a new training video revealing a noticeable increase in size, reportedly exceeding 200 pounds. This weight gain comes on the heels of his defeat to the unified super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, on September 14th. The drastic shift in his physique presents a significant challenge for Berlanga, especially as he contemplates his future in the super middleweight division, traditionally capped at 168 pounds. In his previous bout, Berlanga appeared undernourished on the scales, but this recent bulk raises questions about his ability to return to an already competitive weight class.
Looking ahead, the boxing community is buzzing with speculation about Berlanga’s next fight scheduled for March 8th, potentially in Puerto Rico. The leading candidate for his opponent appears to be veteran boxer Gabe Rosado. While Berlanga has the flexibility to weigh in anywhere from 175 to 190 pounds due to the informal nature of this match, there will still be scrutiny surrounding his choice of adversaries. Given that Rosado is coming off a series of losses—having not secured a victory since 2021—it raises concerns over Berlanga’s trajectory. Critics argue that if he aims to be a serious contender, he should be facing more formidable opponents rather than a fighter with such a lackluster recent record.
Berlanga’s history of facing opponents who do not match his ambition is troubling. His path to a title shot against Canelo was largely paved by victories over inferior competition. The choice to potentially fight Rosado, who at 39 years old has clearly seen better days, suggests a continued pattern of subpar matchmaking that could undermine Berlanga’s credibility in the boxing world. While a warm-up fight can be justifiable, fans and analysts alike are craving matches that challenge him, in line with his aspirations to rise among the elite of the sport.
Notably, Berlanga recently tattooed an image resembling Canelo Alvarez on the back of his neck, stirring speculation about whether this tribute signifies a desire for a rematch with the champion. After his one-sided loss to Alvarez, which netted him a lucrative $10 million purse, the intent behind the tattoo raises eyebrows. Berlanga’s ambitions include a list of potential opponents comprising high-profile names like Jamie Munguia, Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant, and others, reflecting his desire for more significant challenges in the ring. A fight with Munguia, in particular, has captured his interest, as both fighters hail from locations rich in boxing tradition, potentially offering a lucrative pay-per-view draw.
As Edgar Berlanga charts his course post-Canelo, the boxing community watches with anticipation and skepticism. His reliance on less challenging fighters raises concerns about his growth as an athlete. With the looming match against Rosado, Berlanga stands at a crossroads—either reaffirming his position as a rising star or continuing a pattern of comfort that could stifle his ambitions. Only time will tell if he can turn the tide and face the caliber of opponents that would define his career.