On March 15th, boxing fans will witness a notable matchup featuring super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) facing off against unbeaten Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (20-0-1, 16 KOs). This fight will take place at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, and will be broadcast live on DAZN, serving as part of an undercard that includes Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams squaring off against Patrice Volny. Yet, the positioning of Berlanga in this undercard raises eyebrows and prompts questions about his current trajectory in the sport.
The decision to drop Berlanga to the undercard, especially after his significant loss to Canelo Alvarez in September 2022, reflects a cautious approach by his promoters at Matchroom Boxing. They appear to be implementing a recovery strategy—rebuilding Berlanga’s career by pitting him against Gonzalez-Ortiz, who, at 35 years old, presents an intriguing yet puzzling challenge. Despite his lengthy absence from high-caliber competitions, which spans a decade, Gonzalez-Ortiz offers the potential for Berlanga to secure a victory without the immediate risks associated with a top-tier opponent.
This decision is critical for Berlanga, as his management likely sees this matchup as a means to regain some momentum. After a hefty payday of $10 million in his defeat against Alvarez, there’s no denying that Berlanga has ample motivation to rebound quickly. The underlying concern from his team suggests they are apprehensive about his readiness to compete against elite fighters, thereby necessitating a more controlled comeback phase.
For boxing aficionados, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz represents a name with a backstory marked by both promise and prolonged inactivity. Over a decade ago, he was making strides through the ranks, earning victories against recognized fighters such as Derek Ennis and Serhiy Dzinziruk. His sudden exit from the sport in 2014 leaves much to speculation. However, it’s essential to note that in the contemporary boxing landscape, where fighters often compete well into their later years, 35 might not classify one as old by any means.
Last year saw Gonzalez-Ortiz revive his career with wins over lesser-known opponents Edward Ulloa Diaz and Jose Saint-Hilaire Gil, paving the way for this re-entry into the boxing scene. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding his long layoff and the sharpness necessary in a ring filled with combatants at high levels raises eyebrows regarding how effectively he can compete against high-profile adversaries like Berlanga.
As Berlanga prepares for this bout, the pressure is palpable. A win against Gonzalez-Ortiz is not just a necessity for maintaining his career momentum; it is strategically vital for his aspirations — particularly for a coveted rematch with Canelo Alvarez or bouts against other top contenders like Jaime Munguia. This scenario creates a compelling narrative leading up to the fight, showcasing the dual stakes for both fighters: Berlanga aiming for redemption and Gonzalez-Ortiz grasping the opportunity to defy expectations after years away.
The bout represents more than a fight; it serves as a pivotal point determining whether Berlanga can reclaim his standing in boxing or if Gonzalez-Ortiz can reassert himself on the stage after a considerable hiatus. As March 15th approaches, all eyes will be on these two fighters to see who can emerge victorious from this critical juncture in their careers.