In the competitive realm of boxing, fighters often face the daunting task of reinventing themselves to stay relevant, especially in divisions as electrifying as super middleweight. Edgar Berlanga, a promising talent from Brooklyn, New York, aims to do just that. With his upcoming return on March 8th, Berlanga has unveiled a new upper body movement, one that he believes will enhance his performance against a specific group of rivals he refers to as his “hit list.” While his recent video showcasing this movement elicited some chuckles due to its frenzied nature, it also underscores Berlanga’s earnest desire to elevate his skill set in preparation for high-stakes matchups.
At the forefront of Berlanga’s aspirations is a showdown with Mexican powerhouse Jaime Munguia. The rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico has a storied history in boxing, and Berlanga is betting on this heritage to draw significant pay-per-view numbers. A fight against Munguia, who comes off a recent loss, holds considerable potential for Berlanga not only to regain momentum but also to position himself back in contention for the biggest name in the sport: Canelo Alvarez. This quest reflects a broader ambition; he isn’t just chasing numbers, but is keen to reclaim a place among the elite in his weight class.
However, it’s essential to explore the feasibility of Berlanga’s aspirations. The road to a rematch with Canelo might require more than just a victory over Munguia. The Mexican’s keen business acumen suggests he may prioritize lucrative matchups over rematches that lack immediate financial incentive. Therefore, if Berlanga hopes to entice Canelo, he needs to build an impressive resume that demands attention.
Despite Berlanga’s physical attributes and punching power, there are critical aspects of his game that demand attention. The fighter’s past outings revealed vulnerabilities; particularly, his susceptibility to getting dropped. He was met with the canvas during bouts against Canelo and Roamer Alexis Angulo, raising concerns about his punch resistance. For Berlanga to truly ascend the ranks and prove himself, he must address these deficiencies, fortifying his chin and defensive strategies against fighters known for their striking capabilities.
His pursuit includes notable names such as Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Diego Pacheco. However, including Charlo, a fighter with an uncertain activity level, raises questions about the practicality of such a bout. The boxing community often leans towards fighters who are not just highly skilled but also actively engaging in the sport. Berlanga’s decision to target fighters who may be less accessible could hinder his momentum if he can’t secure meaningful matchups.
Ultimately, Edgar Berlanga stands at a significant crossroads in his career. With a clear vision of a hit list and a roadmap towards redemption, his success hinges on a combination of skill development, strategic matchmaking, and the ability to endure the trials of the ring. As he prepares for his return, the boxing community will be closely watching whether Berlanga’s aggressive tactics translate into success against the best of the super middleweight division. If he navigates this journey wisely, he may just find himself back in the spotlight against the giants of the sport.
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