Edgar Berlanga is making significant waves in the boxing world as he gears up for his upcoming ten-round bout against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on March 15th. The fight, taking place at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, has notable implications for Berlanga’s career trajectory. Recently, he shared a clip on social media demonstrating his newly adopted mobile fighting style, which diverges from his previous straightforward brawling approach. This shift is likely a strategic move by Berlanga, who seeks to redefine his fighting identity following a setback against one of boxing’s elite, Canelo Alvarez.
Berlanga, who boasts a record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and an impressive 17 knockouts, has faced scrutiny regarding his performance during the match against Alvarez. The unanimous decision loss and being knocked down in the third round exposed gaps in his game. Observers noted that he seemed hesitant to engage effectively, raising questions about his mental state and adaptability inside the ring. His new training clip suggests a commitment to addressing these issues, possibly indicating a more defensive and mobile approach to his fights.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly discussed Berlanga’s contractual obligations following his fight with Alvarez. Initially, there were plans for Berlanga to headline a show in Puerto Rico, which would have allowed him to fight in front of a supportive crowd familiar with his roots. However, negotiations broke down between Hearn, Berlanga’s manager Keith Connolly, and DAZN, leaving them without a viable headline fight. Reports indicated that Berlanga’s desire to face 39-year-old Gabe Rosado, known as a journeyman with a record of 26-17-1, contributed to the complications, as this match-up would not yield significant interest or audience engagement.
Hearn emphasized the importance of adhering to the contractual agreements and the need to stick to the initial plan for a straightforward comeback fight. This pragmatic approach demonstrates Hearn’s commitment to Berlanga’s career while ensuring that DAZN’s investments remain viable. Moving forward, the fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz will serve both as a litmus test for Berlanga’s new methods and a stage from which he can launch back into more prominent match-ups.
As Berlanga prepares for this upcoming fight, the significance of confidence-building cannot be overstated. The match against Gonzalez-Ortiz promises to be an opportunity for Berlanga to showcase his new style and regain momentum after his setback against Alvarez. Hearn has expressed optimism about Berlanga’s potential performance in this fight, emphasizing that the goal is to achieve a resounding victory that can lead to more high-profile bouts later in the year.
Berlanga’s fans are eagerly anticipating how the fight will play out, particularly given the mixed feelings surrounding his recent transformation. With the fight on the undercard of Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams against Patrice Volny, Berlanga has the chance to shine and recapture the attention of the boxing world. Hearn’s commentary suggests that there’s potential for a more fulfilling summer of fights if Berlanga can demonstrate improvement and a solid performance in his comeback.
In evaluating the situation surrounding Berlanga, it’s clear that both he and his management team are taking significant steps to navigate the murky waters of professional boxing post-defeat. The transition from a more aggressive, brawling style to a nuanced, mobile approach is not merely a stylistic choice but a necessity if Berlanga aims to reinstate himself as a formidable contender in the cruiserweight division.
Given the current trajectory, the fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz is much more than just a stepping stone; it’s a fundamental part of building a more versatile and strategically sound fighter. Success in this upcoming match could reinvigorate Berlanga’s career, paving the way for high-stakes fights later in 2023. The road may be fraught with challenges, but for Berlanga, this could very well mark the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by growth, resilience, and renewed aspirations in the ring.