Edgar Berlanga’s recent declarations about “taking over” the super middleweight division strike as bold but ultimately naive. In the world of professional boxing, confidence is vital, yet overestimating one’s position can lead to dangerous pitfalls. Berlanga’s ambition to control the 168-pound class appears disconnected from reality. His record is still in its infancy compared to the veteran contenders who have toiled for years. While he projects an aura of invincibility, the truth is that his resume is underwhelming—one notable loss to Canelo Alvarez and a handful of unremarkable wins against limited opponents.
Claiming he will “beat Hamzah Sheeraz and then run it back with Canelo” seems more like a fighter’s bravado than a realistic trajectory. The sport demands patience, strategic planning, and incremental progress—qualities Berlanga has yet to fully demonstrate. His statement signals a desire for instant stardom rather than a measured climb up the ranks. This kind of bravado, while entertaining, does little to establish credibility unless it’s backed by consistent, high-quality performances over time.
The Reality of Contending in a Competitive Environment
One cannot overlook the harsh truth: Eddie Hearn’s recent matchmaking suggests Berlanga is far from a genuine threat to the division’s elite. His last serious test, a loss to Canelo, exposed glaring gaps in his skillset—particularly his defensive frailties and susceptibility to counters. His comeback win against an uninspired opponent was underwhelming, and his comments about dominating the division ignore the levels of fighting currently occupied by top contenders.
Further, Berlanga’s expressed desire to face Canelo again seems driven more by ego than logic. The chances of such a rematch happening in the immediate future are slim, especially given the disparity in experience and standing. Turki Alalshikh’s unpredictable promotional decisions reflect a landscape rife with spectacle rather than strategic positioning. Berlanga’s dreams of jumping the queue are unlikely to materialize unless he significantly improves his craft and demonstrates resilience against top-tier opposition.
Understanding the Limitations of Current Skills and Record
Berlanga’s brief career has been a mixed bag—highlighted by explosive knockouts but also marred by lapses in defense. His loss to Canelo showcased how a fighter with defensive flaws and limited in-ring IQ can be exposed on the world stage. His record is historically weak outside that high-profile defeat—showing a pattern of struggles against more experienced or even mediocre opponents like Marcelo Coceres, Steve Rolls, and Roamer Angulo.
This pattern is a warning sign. It exposes the need for deeper technical development and mental fortitude. Meanwhile, his bravado about “dusting” Sheeraz and sending him back to the UK does not align with the reality of their upcoming matchup. Sheeraz is not a pushover; he’s a capable opponent with punch power, and Berlanga’s tendency to get reckless—exposed against Canelo—couldplay into his hands.
The Irony of Confidence Without Substance
Berlanga’s storyline appears to be one built more on self-assuredness than tangible evidence of a rising contender. His comments reek of arrogance, yet they are disconnected from his career trajectory. A true champion-in-the-making demonstrates humility and patience, learning from setbacks rather than declaring dominance prematurely.
The boxing world has seen fighters burst onto the scene with bravado only to fade into obscurity because they lacked the necessary skill and experience. Berlanga, at this stage, risks following the same path if he continues to rely on raw power and verbal bravado. Without a measured approach—developing ring IQ, refining defense, and facing tougher opposition—his ambitions will remain distant illusions.
In sum, Edgar Berlanga’s statement about taking over the division reflects a fighter’s hubris rather than readiness. His future depends on whether he can translate his confidence into tangible improvements and accept the long, hard road to legitimacy. Until then, claims of domination are merely ambitious words—not earned victories.