The "Comeback" Clause and Its Consequences
Edgar Berlanga’s current predicament of fighting Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on the undercard of the March 15th event at the Caribe Royale Orlando is a direct result of his own choices. Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing explained that Berlanga’s contract with Canelo Alvarez included a "comeback clause," which stipulated that in the event of a loss to Alvarez, Berlanga would receive a relatively easy fight. This provision was meant to ensure Berlanga could bounce back quickly from a potential defeat, which indeed occurred in their one-sided match last September. Berlanga’s request for a non-headline comeback fight has now placed him in a position he seems unhappy with, but it is a situation he created.
Easy Fight Trap and Its Ramifications
Berlanga’s resume is peppered with easy opponents, making his record of 22-1, 17 KOs somewhat less impressive than it might appear. His fight with Canelo Alvarez is the only notable contest on his record, with the other 21 opponents being considered "tomato cans" in boxing parlance. This lack of high-caliber competition has made it challenging to market Berlanga as a headliner. When he asked for an easy fight after losing to Alvarez, it set the stage for his current undercard status. Hearn and DAZN cannot justify putting a mismatch in the main event, as it would alienate subscribers and undermine the network’s credibility.
Potential Headliner Options
If Berlanga had been willing to face tougher opponents, several names could have been ideal choices for a main event. Osleys Iglesias, David Morrell, Christian Mbilli, and Diego Pacheco are all contenders who would have provided a more balanced and exciting matchup. These fighters, while formidable, would have given Berlanga a genuine challenge and potentially significant exposure. However, the likelihood of Berlanga winning against any of them is slim, which might have been a deterrent in his decision-making process.
Hearn’s Efforts and Berlanga’s Future
Promoter Eddie Hearn made efforts to arrange a headline fight for Berlanga in Puerto Rico, with Gabe Rosado (a 39-year-old journeyman) being the rumored opponent. However, negotiations fell through, leaving Hearn no choice but to adhere to the original contract provision. This undercard placement is Berlanga’s final fight under his current contract with Matchroom. Hearn is keen on extending Berlanga’s contract and matching him against more significant opponents like Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo. Whether Berlanga will agree to these terms remains to be seen, but it will be crucial for his career trajectory.
Berlanga’s Current Match and the Event
Berlanga’s fight against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz will be the co-feature on the Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams vs. Patrice Volny card. While Gonzalez-Ortiz may not be the most formidable opponent, it will be Berlanga’s opportunity to prove his worth and re-establish himself in the boxing world. The match is a chance for Berlanga to show that he can handle post-Canelo Alvarez pressure and set the stage for more significant fights in the future. Fans will be watching closely to see if Berlanga can deliver a convincing performance and #=> to secure a place back in the main event spotlight.
The Broader Implications
Berlanga’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for fighters and their management teams. The choices made before and after significant bouts can have long-lasting impacts on a fighter’s career. While the allure of an easy win is tempting, it often comes at the cost of diminished credibility and fewer high-profile opportunities. For Berlanga, the path forward will be crucial. He must decide whether to continue seeking safe fights or to embrace tougher challenges that could elevate his status in the boxing world. The next few months will be pivotal in determining his future in the sport.
