Edgar Berlanga, a name that has reverberated through the boxing community, recently found himself in a heated exchange with his promoter, Eddie Hearn. The animosity bubbled to the surface during a candid interview where Berlanga placed the blame for his perceived stagnation squarely on Hearn’s shoulders. The crux of their disagreement is simple: a missed opportunity to face IBF super middleweight champion William Scull, a fight Berlanga believes would have paved the way for his highly anticipated rematch with Canelo Alvarez. This incident illustrates a critical aspect of boxing—where a fighter’s ambition can clash with the decisions of those who manage their careers.
Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) prides himself on his ability to market himself as a serious contender, insisting that he would navigate his career without Hearn’s management, viewing him as an obstacle rather than a partner. The crux of Berlanga’s frustration lies in his belief that Hearn has treated him not as an equal but as an employee, affecting his opportunities to secure significant bouts. The fighter feels ready to ascend to the next level, but he perceives Hearn’s influence as a hindrance.
The Cost of Promoter Politics
When Berlanga expressed his confidence in defeating Scull, he laid bare the underlying business mentality that often dictates a fighter’s next moves. “If Eddie was with me,” Berlanga suggested, “he’d have negotiated the fight.” He believes that had the fight with Scull gone through, he would have easily claimed the IBF title, setting the stage for a rematch with Alvarez, a lucrative opportunity that could redefine his career.
However, Berlanga’s claims seem tinged with naivety. He underestimates the complexities and etiquette of boxing negotiations, which often involve multiple layers of contractual obligations and network interests. Promotions are not merely job titles; they are labyrinthine systems that navigate fighters’ careers toward lucrative fights while maintaining the interests of the promotion companies. Berlanga’s desire for autonomy, while admirable, may not account for the reality that promoters often shape the very fights that elevate a boxer’s status.
The Undercard Dilemma
This Saturday, Berlanga finds himself fighting on the undercard of an event featuring Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and Patrice Volny—another source of disappointment for him. Berlanga believes he has clawed his way to enough recognition to warrant a headline fight, particularly one in Puerto Rico, which he perceives as a missed chance for both financial success and personal fulfillment. When he stated, “I could have made that March 8th fight,” it was evident that Berlanga’s aspirations remain tethered to a vision of himself as a central figure in boxing.
However, these feelings of frustration showcase the reality that boxing, particularly for rising stars, often relies on marketability over merit. The disparity between what a fighter believes they deserve and what they are offered can lead to heady dissatisfaction, a sentiment that Berlanga appears to harbor deeply. His longing for big fights becomes a double-edged sword, one that can cut either at the fighters themselves or the promoters supporting their careers.
Chasing Glory or Just the Bag?
Berlanga has made it clear that money is a significant motivator for him, and his views on potential rematches with Canelo reveal an almost Martian detachment from boxing reality. His assertion that Canelo would be clamoring for a rematch should Berlanga win the IBF title demonstrates an unrealistic perspective on how the boxing elite choose their challengers. Canelo, known for his calculated and often strategic matchmaking, wouldn’t be motivated to face a fighter who he has beaten handily once before, especially if his camp sees little financial upside.
What adds to the tension is Berlanga’s pronouncement that he plans to handle his business and eliminate those he perceives as weak—namely, his upcoming opponent Gonzalez-Ortiz. However, this bravado raises questions about how Berlanga will adapt to the challenges posed by more formidable fighters in the super middleweight division. Can he transform that knockout power and raw ambition into a strategy that withstands the rigors of top-tier competition?
Berlanga is at a crossroads—a junction where ambition meets reality. While it’s tempting to dismiss his tirades as mere frustration, they unearth deeper issues within the structure of professional boxing. Fighters like Berlanga face a dilemma of power and control, mixed with an allure for cash that can overshadow their strategic career choices. He may run the risk of chasing the spotlight without a clear path, signaling how precarious the boxing landscape can be for ambitious, yet unsupported fighters.