In the high-stakes world of boxing, relationships between fighters and their promoters can often be fraught with tension and discontent. Edgar Berlanga, a rising star in the super middleweight division, has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with promoter Eddie Hearn, claiming that Hearn’s management style is preventing him from achieving his career goals. Berlanga believes that Hearn should serve as a business partner rather than act as a controlling figure heading a promotional empire. His disappointment stems from missed opportunities, particularly regarding a potential bout against IBF super middleweight champion William Scull. For Berlanga, this fight could have opened the door to a well-favored rematch against boxing giant Canelo Alvarez.
With a record of 22 wins and 1 loss, Berlanga’s aspirations are high. He believes that had he fought Scull and emerged victorious, a lucrative rematch with Canelo in September would have been imminent. Berlanga sees himself as not only a fighter but also a brand, and his statement reflects a growing trend among boxers who desire greater control over their careers. It feels like a watershed moment in his journey; he calls out Hearn for not being aggressive enough in negotiations, claiming that if he were given the same opportunities, he would have succeeded in securing a title shot. The tension is palpable, raising the question of whether fighters can truly be their own bosses or are forever tied to the whims of their promoters.
Chasing the Canelo Rematch: Ambition or Delusion?
Berlanga’s insistence that Canelo is eager for a rematch feels like a blend of ambition and delusion. While it is understandable that he yearns for another shot at the title after their previous bout, in which he earned a colossal $10 million, the very nature of boxing suggests that Canelo’s focus may lie elsewhere. Fighters like Alvarez often seek rematches with opponents who challenge them, those who present a danger rather than someone they’ve previously dispensed with easily.
If Berlanga were to fight and defeat Scull, there’s no guarantee that Canelo would be eager to face him again, as he has historically shied away from rematching opponents he has beaten decisively. Berlanga’s confidence exudes a youthful naiveté, often failing to grasp the strategic calculations of elite-level boxing. In the fight game, ambitions are often met with reality checks, and Berlanga’s confidence in Canelo’s willingness to return to the ring with him may stem more from his desire for a payday than from an understanding of boxing politics.
On the Undercard: A Fighter’s Frustration
As Berlanga prepares to face Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in what he asserts should be a showcase of his talent, there is a palpable sense of frustration in his voice. Fighting on an undercard instead of headlining his own event feels like a demotion to a fighter of his caliber. He cites reasons provided by Hearn and DAZN for this lack of promotion, but it ultimately boils down to a feeling of control wrestled away from him. Berlanga’s assertion that he could have organized a better fight without promotion feels like a call for independence—a desire to break free from the system that has confined him.
The weight of his words signifies a growing frustration not just with Hearn but with the promotional structures that dictate a fighter’s path. The notion of taking control over one’s career—a common refrain among fighters seeking more agency—is palpable. As Berlanga states, he wants to “handle my business” and doesn’t want to bow down to a promoter who he feels is limiting his potential, further emphasizing that his career is ultimately his responsibility.
Leaving Matchroom: A New Era?
Berlanga stands on the brink of leaving Matchroom after his fight, an alarming yet exciting proposition for a fighter longing to reshape his destiny. He seeks new partnerships that will view him as an equal, not a subordinate. It’s a bold stance, especially for someone who hasn’t yet grasped a world title but feels deserving of one based on talent alone. His call-out to other networks and promoters indicates that he’s ready to explore options that recognize his potential and create lucrative fights.
As Berlanga moves forward, the boxing community watches closely. Can he translate his frustrations into something successful, or will he find the same limitations exist elsewhere? The boxing landscape is complicated, full of potential pitfalls, but digits of power and control are shifting. As fighters increasingly demand recognition, Berlanga’s journey reflects a moment where ambition meets the harsh realities of the sport, prompting a broader dialogue about how boxers can carve their own paths in an industry known for its challenges. The question remains: will he channel his frustrations into gold, or will he find himself in a repetitive cycle with new faces in high places?
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