The Return of the Chosen One
Edgar Berlanga, the 27-year-old Puerto Rican prospect known for his explosive style and rising star status, is set to make a significant comeback on March 15th. This time, he will face the undefeated Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in a super middleweight bout at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on a Matchroom-promoted show airing on DAZN. This fight comes at a crucial time for Berlanga, who is looking to regain the confidence and momentum he lost after his lopsided defeat to Canelo Alvarez last year. The return to the ring is not just about winning; it’s about proving to himself and the world that he belongs among the elite in the super middleweight division.
A Step Down, a Journey Up
Berlanga’s journey to this fight has been tumultuous. After being hyped as a potential future champion, he was demoted from headlining to chief support in the undercard of a middleweight battle between Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and Patrice Volny. This significant step down in billing is a testament to the challenges he faces after his loss to Alvarez. The media and fans are eager to see how Berlanga will handle this lower profile fight. However, for Berlanga, it’s more about the opportunity to showcase his skills and rebuild his reputation. He is determined to make a strong statement and prove that his recent setback was just a bump in the road to greatness.
The Opponent: Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz
At 35 years old, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz is a seasoned veteran returning to the ring after a decade-long hiatus. His recent return to the sport in 2024 saw him defeating Edward Ulloa Diaz and Jose Saint-Hilaire Gil, both of whom have questionable records. Gonzalez-Ortiz’s path back to the top seems more like a resurgence than a comeback, given the caliber of his recent opponents. Nonetheless, he is unbeaten with a record of 20-0-1, though these wins have not been against top-tier competition. Despite this, Gonzalez-Ortiz’s resilience and experience in the ring make him a formidable opponent for Berlanga. For Berlanga, this fight is an opportunity to face an experienced fighter and demonstrate his growth and improvement.
A Fighter’s Resilience
Berlanga’s loss to Canelo Alvarez was a harsh reality check. The fight on September 14th, 2023, was a one-sided affair, with Berlanga looking overmatched against the unified super middleweight champion. Despite having a significant size advantage, Berlanga struggled to land meaningful blows and was dominated throughout the 12 rounds. The fight highlighted the gap between being a promising prospect and a world-class fighter. However, Berlanga’s resilience and determination have not waned. He has used this setback as a learning experience and is more focused than ever on his next steps. His hit list of future opponents, including Jaime Munguia, Canelo Alvarez (for a rematch), Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant, and Diego Pacheco, shows his ambition and the kind of challenges he aims to take on in the future.
The Road Ahead
After his March 15th fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz, Berlanga is eyeing a return to the top of the super middleweight division. He has expressed his intention to face one of the big names on his hit list, and this upcoming bout is a crucial step in that direction. Berlanga’s manager and team are confident that a win over Gonzalez-Ortiz will set the stage for more significant challenges. They believe that Berlanga has the potential to be a world champion, and this fight is an opportunity to silence the critics and reassert his place in the boxing world. The support from his fans, both in Puerto Rico and the United States, is unwavering, and he is eager to reward their loyalty with a convincing victory.
The Chosen One’s Challenge
Edgar Berlanga’s return to the ring against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on March 15th is more than just another fight. It’s a chance for him to reinvent himself, to show the world that he is ready to take on the best in the sport. The road ahead is long and challenging, but Berlanga is determined to rise to the occasion. For a fighter who has faced adversity and come out stronger, the future looks bright. The battle in Orlando is just the beginning of what could be a remarkable comeback story. Berlanga is ready to prove that he is still the "Chosen One" and that his dream of becoming a world champion is far from over.
