Edgar Berlanga, a former super middleweight contender from Brooklyn, New York, has set his sights on a potential confrontation with Gervonta “Tank” Davis at a catchweight of 150 pounds by 2025. Berlanga’s ambition illustrates not only his desire to ascend within the boxing hierarchy but also his willingness to undergo drastic measures to make this dream a reality. He expressed an interest in adopting a fasting diet similar to the one famously followed by rapper 50 Cent. This would potentially allow Berlanga, who boasts a record of 22 wins, one loss, and 17 knockouts, to shed roughly 40 pounds, a formidable yet daunting task for any boxer.
Berlanga’s age works in his favor, giving him the edge of being able to lose significant weight relatively quickly—especially if the majority of that loss comes from water weight. He could theoretically rehydrate back up to the 170s, which would present an intimidating size advantage over Davis, who stands at 5’5″ and competes at lightweight. However, this plan raises questions about sustainability; drastic weight loss can often lead to adverse effects on performance and health if not done correctly. Berlanga’s physical transformation could create both opportunities and challenges in the ring.
Berlanga’s route to a title shot against Canelo Alvarez was marked by victories against less-acclaimed opposition, including fighters such as Padraig McCrory and Jason Quigley. Though he earned a shot at the unified super middleweight champion, his subsequent fight on September 14th was a stark reminder of the gulf in skill and experience—he was decisively defeated by Canelo in a unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the bout heavily in favor of Alvarez. This loss not only stunted Berlanga’s immediate aspirations but also left a blemish on his reputation, sparking debates about his capacity to contend at higher levels of boxing.
Unlike fellow fighters such as Ryan Garcia who benefit from vast fan engagement, Berlanga’s appeal remains modest. His popularity seems geographically confined—mainly to niche audiences in New York City. The lack of broader appeal could hinder potential matches with big-name opponents like Tank Davis. Following his lackluster performance against Canelo, many fans may question his viability as an opponent worth pursuing, particularly for a lucrative fight. Berlanga needs not only to get back on the winning track but also to rebuild his brand if he hopes to attract high-profile fights.
While Berlanga has been vocal about wanting to face other elite fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Jermall Charlo, the looming challenge remains: can he regain his form and overcome the shadows of his recent defeat? The notion of a future clash with Tank Davis seems ambitious but requires a strategy that goes beyond cutting weight and into the realm of effective fighting techniques. In boxing, adaptability and skill are as crucial as size and strength. Berlanga’s journey will be defined not just by hopes of weight loss but by how well he can capitalize on this moment to establish himself as a formidable force in the boxing world once more.