In the world of professional boxing, mental preparedness often plays as pivotal a role as physical skill. Edgar Berlanga, a young fighter with legitimate knockout power, is positioning himself mentally ahead of his July 12th bout against Hamzah Sheeraz by envisioning the latter as if he were Canelo Alvarez—the sport’s global superstar. To Berlanga, this strategy is meant to elevate his focus and confidence, essentially telling himself that defeating Sheeraz is a crucial stepping stone toward a far bigger prize: the elusive Canelo rematch. While this kind of mental framing can be a useful tool, Berlanga’s public commentary reflects a dangerous blend of bravado and possible underestimation of his true challenge.
Experience and Trajectory: A Rocky Path Forward
Berlanga’s career trajectory has been a rollercoaster of early hype that has yet to fully translate into consistent high-level success. His initial rise was engineered by aligning him against relatively easy opposition—an all-too-common practice in boxing circles known as “fed tomato cans,” which artificially inflate a fighter’s record and confidence. This method, while common, carries a risk: it can leave fighters unprepared for the caliber of competition they face once stepping into the spotlight. Berlanga’s struggle against Canelo Alvarez revealed some cracks in his armor—his skills, while potent, did not seem refined enough to challenge elite talent. Moreover, after returning to take on mostly subpar opponents post-Canelo, questions remain about whether Berlanga is truly ready for a title shot or merely being fast-tracked on hype alone.
The Sheeraz Factor: More Than Just a Stepping Stone
Hamzah Sheeraz presents an intriguing and largely underrated hurdle for Berlanga. Despite Sheeraz’s undefeated record being blemished only by a controversial draw against Carlos Adames, he is no pushover. Rather than viewing Sheeraz as a mere obstacle in the path to riches, Berlanga’s dismissal may be unwise. The commentary around Sheeraz’s supposed desire to avoid fighting in New York and the pressure his camp is putting him under doesn’t necessarily diminish the quality of the fighter himself. By projecting Sheeraz as an obstacle that can be “mentally beaten” before the fight even begins, Berlanga risks overlooking the complexities that come with facing a hungry and determined opponent — especially one who may feel they have everything to prove on a grand stage.
Promotion and Politics: The Business Behind Matchmaking
The boxing world is as much about business and promotion as it is about pure competition, and Berlanga’s career illustrates these dynamics well. Originally cultivated by Top Rank with carefully selected opponents, Berlanga seemed to thrive in a bubble that prioritized marketability over meritocracy. His move to Eddie Hearn’s promotional camp has not drastically changed this trajectory, as he continues to face opponents who may not fully test his abilities. More striking is the speculation surrounding a quick rematch with Canelo Alvarez—a fight that many fans and observers feel Berlanga is far from deserving. The media and fanbase crave stories of new talent breaking through the ranks, not recycled narratives where heavily hyped fighters receive opportunities disproportionate to their resumes.
The Demand for Authenticity and Genuine Competition
Boxing fans have grown increasingly savvy and resistant to manufactured hype. The sport is in a phase where authenticity, grit, and genuine competition are prized above superficial glitz. With fighters like Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, and Janibek Alimkhanuly steadily climbing the ranks through truly competitive bouts, Berlanga’s path feels somewhat artificial and disconnected from that reality. His outspoken certainty about his “destiny for greatness” appears premature, especially given the lack of substantive victories against high-caliber opponents. The true test for Berlanga lies in demonstrating that his knockout power is accompanied by technical mastery and resilience under pressure—qualities he largely failed to exhibit in his most significant bouts so far.
Final Thoughts: Potential Undermined by Hubris?
Berlanga’s confidence is understandable for any fighter on the cusp of a critical career-defining bout, but the tone of his statements risks alienating some fans and experts who perceive arrogance rather than assuredness. His mental framing, while possibly a motivating tool, cannot substitute for rigorous development and respect for every opponent. To genuinely claim a place among boxing’s elite and to earn a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, Berlanga must first prove he can handle a determined, skilled contender like Hamzah Sheeraz without relying on mind games or the hope that promotional machinations will carry him forward. Until then, Berlangas’ overconfidence might do more harm than good in the long run—not just for his reputation, but for his career’s ultimate trajectory.