In a recent bout on Saturday night, Edgar Berlanga showcased a staggering 193-pound weight while facing off against the formidable Canelo Alvarez, who holds titles from the WBA, WBC, and WBO in the super middleweight division. This marked an astonishing rehydration increase of 25.4 pounds from Berlanga’s weigh-in at 167.6 pounds the day prior. The dramatic disparity in weight underscores significant issues within boxing, especially regarding the lack of regulation surrounding weight management and rehydration practices.
The Burgeoning Weight Disparity
The noticeable size difference between Berlanga and Alvarez during their fight raised eyebrows and highlighted the glaring fact that fighters can often manipulate their weight class advantages. As Berlanga stepped into the ring, he was empirically closer in weight to a light heavyweight rather than a super middleweight, where the limit caps at 168 pounds. This practice of ballooning up post-weigh-in is not only problematic but also dangerous, posing hazards to opponents who may not be prepared to face someone well over the weight limit. It further muddles the competitive balance that is crucial for the integrity of the sport.
There exists a critical need for boxing to instate a more rigorous regulatory framework that includes enforcement of weight rehydration limits. Without such measures, fighters can exploit these loopholes to gain undue advantages over their opponents, turning the sport into a game of weight manipulation as opposed to skill. Promoters and sanctioning bodies need to acknowledge the risks and hazards imposed not only on the fighters themselves but also on the sanctity of competition.
The phenomenon of so-called ‘weight bullies’—fighters who compete in lower weight classes than their natural fighting weight—has become increasingly prevalent. For younger fighters, drastic weight cutting may not have immediate adverse effects, but the long-term consequences can be damaging to both their health and the quality of competition. Berlanga’s apparent struggles at super middleweight could indicate the futility of boxers trying to compete where they do not belong; fighting within a more suitable weight class may result in a less illustrious career but would ensure a safer environment for all competitors.
While some may argue that the current system allows for exciting mismatches and dramatic fights, the reality remains that exploits in weight management threaten the integrity of boxing as a sport. With rising concerns over fighter safety and fairness, a clearer structure regarding rehydration practices needs to be a priority. It’s essential for boxing to evolve, adapt, and eliminate the practices that enable weight manipulation. That way, athletes can compete on a fair playing field, and the danger presented by excessive weight fluctuations can be mitigated. The future of boxing greatly depends on reforming these regulations to foster a safer and more equitable sport.