Walmart or Win?
Edgar Berlanga, a rising star in the boxing world with a record of 22-1 and 17 knockouts, has made a bold and somewhat drastic proclamation. He claims that if he doesn’t manage to knock out Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in their upcoming 10-round bout on March 15th, he will retire and take up a job at Walmart. The fight, which will be broadcast live on DAZN, is part of the undercard for the highly anticipated matchup between Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and Patrice Volny at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. Berlanga, now 35, is pitted against the undefeated Gonzalez-Ortiz, whose record stands at 20-0-1 with 16 knockouts. This fight is more than just another bout; it’s a crucial test for Berlanga, who is looking to rebuild his career after a disappointing loss to Canelo Alvarez last September.
The Weight of Defeat
Berlanga’s recent defeat to Canelo Alvarez serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the sport. The Mexican legend handed Berlanga a decisive loss, and the aftermath has been a period of introspection and adjustment. Berlanga’s statement about quitting and working at Walmart is not just a publicity stunt; it’s a reflection of the pressure he feels to prove himself. The loss to Alvarez was more than just a setback; it was a wake-up call. Berlanga may have realized that the path to the top is fraught with challenges, and the luxury of another high-profile fight like the one with Alvarez is unlikely. The $10 million payday he received from that fight was a significant windfall, but it also set a high bar for future earnings and expectations.
A New Reality
Now, Berlanga finds himself in a different position. He’s no longer the headliner, a role he has held for the past four years. This fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz is a step down, both in terms of the opponent and the visibility of the event. It’s a stark contrast to his previous status as a main event fighter. For Berlanga, this shift is not just a change in his role but a potential harbinger of things to come. If he continues to fight on undercards, the financial rewards will be less substantial, and the pressure to perform will be higher. The prospect of smaller paychecks and less prominent fights could indeed push him towards retirement, especially if he feels that his skills and opportunities no longer align with his ambitions.
The Road Ahead
Berlanga’s career is hanging by a thread. Even if he puts on a dominant performance against Gonzalez-Ortiz, the reality is that he is not at the level of the top fighters in the 168-lb division. Beating sub-level opposition is one thing, but facing the best in the world is a different challenge altogether. If he can’t compete at the highest level, his future in boxing is uncertain. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, might be able to set him up for another payday, perhaps against a fighter like Jaime Munguia, but such opportunities are rare and not guaranteed. Thesembler momentum from his early success and the financial windfall from the Canelo fight, Berlanga now faces a crossroads. Will he find the strength and skill to overcome the next hurdles, or will he choose a different path?
The Pressure of Performance
The pressure on Berlanga is immense. He is fighting not just for a win but for the validation of his career. Gonzalez-Ortiz, while undefeated, is not the caliber of opponent that will earn Berlanga a second chance at the big leagues. However, a convincing knockout could rekindle some of the buzz that surrounded him before the Canelo fight. If he fails to deliver, the stakes are high. The statement about working at Walmart is a dramatic way to emphasize the importance of this fight. It’s a reminder that for many athletes, the life after sports can be uncertain, and the transition to a new career is not always smooth. Berlanga’s words highlight the personal and professional challenges he faces, and the intense pressure to succeed in a sport where the margin for error is slim.
The Future of a Fighter
In the end, Berlanga’s future in boxing hinges on his performance against Gonzalez-Ortiz. If he can secure a knockout, it might open the door to more opportunities and a chance to rebuild his career. However, if he falls short, the reality of a different life, perhaps working at Walmart, may become his new reality. The world of professional boxing is unforgiving, and for fighters like Berlanga, every fight is a test of their mettle. As he steps into the ring on March 15th, the weight of his words and the pressure of his career will be on his shoulders. The fight is more than just a contest; it’s a defining moment that could shape the rest of his life.
