Edgar Berlanga, the rising star in the boxing world, finds himself at a crossroads as he navigates the complexities of his contractual obligations with Matchroom Boxing. Currently holding a record of 22 wins, 1 loss, and an impressive 17 knockouts, Berlanga’s future is as uncertain as it is promising. He has a single “optional” fight left on his Matchroom contract, which opens the door for various possibilities. The fighter has expressed that while he can choose to remain with Matchroom for this fight, he is also contemplating the option of becoming a free agent.
The prospect of securing high-profile matches is undeniably appealing to Berlanga, particularly his desire to face Jaime Munguia. Munguia, an established name in the sport, is currently signed with Top Rank and has a scheduled bout against Ronald Gavil in December. This arrangement complicates Berlanga’s ambitions, potentially delaying their match until as late as early 2025. For a fighter eager to capitalize on momentum, this timeline might be less than ideal. Berlanga’s goal is not merely to stay active but to engage in bouts that promise substantial pay-per-view (PPV) revenues, which Munguia embodies.
As Berlanga evaluates his options, the question of whom he might face in his final Matchroom bout arises. Eddie Hearn, the promoter at Matchroom, has yet to disclose potential opponents, but there are whispers about a tune-up fight possibly set in New York or Puerto Rico. However, Berlanga is protective of his brand and does not wish to engage in fights with opponents like Caleb Plant, believing they wouldn’t generate adequate income or interest.
One proposed opponent that Hearn might be considering is Diego Pacheco. Despite Pacheco’s skills, Berlanga might view this as a high-risk, low-reward situation. With the looming risk of loss overshadowing potential gains, it’s unsurprising that Berlanga might shy away from such a matchup. Instead, a fighter like Trevor McCumby, who showed resilience in his recent match against Plant, could be a more favorable option for Berlanga, offering a chance to regain momentum without disproportionately risking his reputation.
Ultimately, Berlanga’s decision-making will be critical not just for his immediate future but for his long-term career trajectory. The choices he makes now could define him as a fighter capable of leveraging his talent into significant opportunities, or they could lead him into less lucrative and higher-risk fights that could jeopardize his rising star status. As he weighs his next steps, the balance between risk-managing his career and pursuing lucrative fight opportunities will be pivotal. Berlanga’s future in boxing remains uncertain, yet full of potential, hinging on the decisions he will make in the coming months.