Edgar Berlanga steps into his upcoming July 12th showdown against Hamzah Sheeraz with bold confidence, claiming he’s already won the fight mentally. By openly likening Sheeraz to boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, Berlanga attempts a psychological tactic to gain an upper hand. This mind game hinges on the idea that Sheeraz is distracted by dreams of a Canelo bout, making him vulnerable. Berlanga’s assertion that he “already beat him” is less about physical preparedness and more a statement of mindset—a confidence born from perceiving his opponent as preoccupied. While this brashness might fuel Berlanga’s own motivation, it walks a fine line between strategy and overconfidence.
Reality Check: Berlanga’s Career Trajectory and Limitations
Despite his brash talk, Berlanga’s boxing journey suggests caution in buying into his self-assured narrative. Early career moves by promotional giant Top Rank provided him with a cushioned start, fighting overmatched opponents to inflate his record and reputation. But when faced with more legitimate competition, such as in his bout with Canelo, Berlanga showed cracks in his ability to perform at the elite level. His struggles against mid-tier contenders and lack of polish raise critical doubts about his readiness to sustain success against truly skilled fighters like Sheeraz or Alvarez. His allure has been largely constructed by marketing maneuvers rather than demonstrated dominance.
Sheeraz: The Overlooked Contender
Hamzah Sheeraz enters this fight as the undefeated underdog, bearing a record slightly less glossy but arguably more earned. Previously criticized for benefiting from questionable decisions, like the controversial draw against Carlos Adames, Sheeraz has deservedly gained attention as a legitimate test for Berlanga. The narrative that Sheeraz is merely looking past Berlanga to a lucrative Canelo match undermines his present capabilities and competitive spirit. If anything, this framing downplays the challenge that Berlanga faces. Sheeraz’s status as a disciplined, hungry fighter means this contest is far from one-sided, despite Berlanga’s dismissive talk.
The Dangers of Overconfidence in Boxing
Berlanga’s mental victory claim could very well be a self-sabotaging trap. In boxing, overconfidence can lead to underestimating opponents and insufficient preparation—all costly errors inside the ring. If Berlanga repeats his lackluster effort exhibited in previous “top-tier” bouts, especially a nonchalant approach reminiscent of his performance against Sheeraz in the past, it could result in a damaging loss. Moreover, fans and critics alike are wary of Berlanga receiving premature title opportunities, particularly rematches with Canelo, which many view as undeserved based on his modest resume. Such business-driven matchmaking risks stagnating the division by sidelining more deserving contenders.
What Boxing Fans Really Want: Fresh Talent and Genuine Contenders
The current buzz surrounding Berlanga versus Sheeraz highlights an ongoing tension in boxing—the balance between promotion-driven narratives and genuine competitive merit. Fans crave fresh talent and hard-earned opportunities, favoring fighters like Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, Janibek Alimkhanuly, and Yoenli Hernandez who have built solid cases to climb the ladder. The premature elevation of performers like Berlanga, propped up through soft matchmaking and hyped mental games, risks diluting the sport’s credibility. Genuine contenders want to be recognized for skill and resilience on the inside of the ring, not just for slick talk or promotional hype.
Final Thoughts: Mental Toughness Must Match Physical Skill
While Berlanga’s attempt to dominate mentally is a fascinating angle, it cannot substitute for technical prowess and ring generalship. Boxing is unforgiving; bravado rarely wins bouts unless backed by consistent execution. This fight will serve as a litmus test for Berlanga’s true capabilities and whether his mental strategy can withstand Sheeraz’s disciplined pressure. Ultimately, fans and pundits will be watching closely, not just for the knockout punches, but for the authenticity of these claims on both sides. Mental power is indispensable in boxing—but only when it mirrors actual performance. Berlanga needs to prove he can deliver inside the ropes, beyond the psychological bravado outside of them.