Edgar Berlanga Seizes Opportunity on March 15th Undercard
Edgar Berlanga’s manager, Keith Connolly, has announced that the undefeated prospect will take an undercard slot on the March 15th event, headlined by Austin Williams against Patrice Volny at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida. This 10-round co-feature will be broadcast live on DAZN. Connolly’s strategic move is aimed at setting the stage for a "bigger fight" for Berlanga later this summer. Despite his young career, Berlanga has already shown promise, and this decision reflects a calculated approach to build his reputation and secure more lucrative opportunities. The March 15th event, while not a main card, provides Berlanga with a platform to showcase his skills and prove his worth to potential future opponents and promoters.
A Final Bout with Matchroom
Berlanga’s opponent, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, is a 35-year-old veteran with an impressive record of 20-0-1 and 16 knockouts. This fight marks the last bout of Berlanga’s contract with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, adding a layer of significance to the event. If Berlanga impresses, it could lead to an extension and potentially bigger fights down the line. Connolly’s prediction of a "bigger fight" this summer is rooted in the belief that a strong performance against Gonzalez-Ortiz will enhance Berlanga’s marketability and appeal to major boxing promoters and networks. The stakes are high, and Berlanga will need to demonstrate his growth and resilience to convince Matchroom to keep him on their roster and offer him more prominent matches.
Berlanga’s Hit List of Potential Opponents
Berlanga’s manager has outlined a list of six fighters that they are eyeing for future matchups. These names include Jamie Munguia, Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant, Hamzah Sheeraz, Canelo Alvarez, and Diego Pacheco. While most of these fighters are well-known in the boxing world, they represent a mix of different levels of challenge and financial potential. Jamie Munguia, with his popularity and recent performances, stands out as the most financially viable option. Munguia is currently scheduled for a rematch with Bruno Surace, and if he wins, it could set the stage for a Berlanga-Munguia bout on DAZN PPV. This matchup could be a significant step up for Berlanga, both in terms of exposure and earnings.
Realistic vs. Ideal Scenarios
It’s crucial to differentiate between the ideal and realistic scenarios for Berlanga’s future fights. Names like Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, Dmitry Bivol, David Morrell, and Artur Beterbiev are often mentioned in boxing circles, but they present formidable challenges that Berlanga might not be equipped to handle. Berlanga’s loss to Canelo last year highlighted areas where he needs significant improvement. To earn a rematch with Canelo or to face any of these elite fighters, Berlanga would need to consistently impress and beat top-tier opponents, a task that seems daunting given his current skill set. Therefore, the more realistic options for Berlanga are fighters like Diego Pacheco, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Caleb Plant, whom Eddie Hearn and Matchroom can negotiate with more effectively. These bouts would be less risky and could still provide Berlanga with significant career advancements.
Evaluating Berlanga’s Future Prospects
The loss to Canelo Alvarez was a significant setback for Berlanga, but it also provided valuable lessons. His performance was not up to par, and this has been a wake-up call for his team. To move forward successfully, Berlanga will need to focus on refining his technique, improving his strategic thinking, and building a more robust defense. The fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz offers an excellent opportunity for Berlanga to demonstrate these improvements. If he can secure a dominant win, it will not only boost his confidence but also send a strong message to the boxing world that he is ready for bigger challenges. The summer fight that Connolly is hinting at will likely depend on how well Berlanga performs on March 15th.
Preparing for the Next Steps
Berlanga’s manager, Keith Connolly, is playing a long game with his client. By accepting a co-main event slot now, they are laying the foundation for more significant opportunities in the future. Connolly’s strategy is to ensure that Berlanga remains active and continues to build his reputation. The March 15th fight will be a crucial test, and a strong performance could open doors to more lucrative and high-profile bouts. Whether the summer fight materializes with one of the names on Berlanga’s hit list or another promising opponent, the key will be for Berlanga to show that he has the skills and determination to compete at a higher level. His team’s faith in his potential is clear, and this upcoming bout is a stepping stone in his journey to becoming a top contender in the boxing world.
