In the world of boxing, bold statements are a common occurrence, especially when it comes to the intense rivalries and competitive nature of the sport. However, when a retired super middleweight champion steps into the conversation to offer a warning, the boxing community listens. Recently, a former champion made waves by publicly declaring that Edgar Berlanga, one of the rising stars in the super middleweight division, is “garbage” and should steer clear of challenging Canelo Alvarez, the current king of the division.
This harsh critique has sparked a heated debate in the boxing world, with some agreeing that Berlanga is not yet ready for the likes of Canelo, while others argue that Berlanga has the potential to be a legitimate contender in the future. As Berlanga continues his climb up the rankings, this warning from a veteran of the sport raises important questions about his development, readiness, and whether he should truly consider a bout against the pound-for-pound superstar, Canelo Alvarez.
The Rise of Edgar Berlanga
Edgar Berlanga, nicknamed “The Chosen One,” burst onto the boxing scene with a string of impressive knockout victories. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Berlanga’s power became his calling card early in his career, as he knocked out each of his first 16 opponents in the first round. This incredible feat earned him a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the sport and garnered him significant attention in the super middleweight division.
Berlanga’s knockout streak generated massive hype, and many began to view him as the next big thing in the sport. With his Puerto Rican heritage, Berlanga was embraced by a fanbase hungry for the next boxing superstar from the island. The comparisons to greats like Felix Trinidad began to surface, and Berlanga’s star power continued to rise with each victory. His charismatic personality and marketable presence outside the ring further boosted his profile.
However, as Berlanga began to step up in competition, the knockouts became harder to come by. In his more recent fights, he has gone the distance, and questions have arisen about whether his knockout power alone is enough to carry him to the top of the division. His skills, ring IQ, and ability to adapt in more technical bouts have been called into question, with some critics believing that he needs more time to refine his craft before taking on the elite fighters in the super middleweight division.
The Warning from a Retired Champion
Amid the growing speculation about Berlanga’s potential and future matchups, a retired super middleweight champion has come forward with a scathing critique. The former champion, whose identity has not been officially confirmed but is widely speculated to be a fighter who competed at the highest level during the 2000s, reportedly referred to Berlanga as “garbage” in a recent interview. He warned that Berlanga should avoid any thoughts of stepping into the ring with Canelo Alvarez, widely considered the best fighter in the world.
“Berlanga’s got power, but that’s it,” the retired champ was quoted as saying. “He’s garbage when it comes to technical skills, defense, and ring IQ. If he steps in with Canelo, he’s getting knocked out. He’s nowhere near ready, and he’s going to get hurt if he even thinks about taking that fight.”
The harshness of the comment has raised eyebrows in the boxing community. Berlanga, who has yet to face an opponent at the level of Canelo, has built his career on his ability to knock people out, but as the former champion pointed out, he has yet to showcase the depth of skills necessary to compete at the highest level of the division.
The warning comes at a crucial time in Berlanga’s career. With his undefeated record still intact, there has been increasing pressure on him to step up his level of competition. As his name becomes more prominent, discussions about a future showdown with Canelo Alvarez have inevitably surfaced. However, the retired champion’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the vast gap that exists between fighters like Berlanga and established champions like Canelo.
Is Berlanga Ready for Canelo?
The central question raised by the retired champion’s comments is whether Berlanga is truly ready for a fighter of Canelo Alvarez’s caliber. Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, is a generational talent who has dominated every weight class he has competed in. His combination of power, technical skill, defense, and experience makes him one of the most complete fighters in the sport’s history. For Berlanga, a fight with Canelo represents the ultimate test—but is it too soon?
Canelo has faced some of the best fighters in the world, including Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev, and Caleb Plant. His ability to adapt to different styles, control the pace of the fight, and deliver knockout blows with surgical precision makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone, let alone a young fighter still developing his skills.
Berlanga’s power has carried him this far, but his recent fights have exposed gaps in his game. He has been criticized for being too reliant on his knockout punch and not developing the defensive skills and technical prowess necessary to compete with the sport’s elite. Against Canelo, these weaknesses would likely be exploited to devastating effect. Canelo’s ability to slip punches, counter with precision, and control the distance would make it a difficult fight for Berlanga.
Moreover, Canelo’s experience in big fights cannot be understated. He has fought on the biggest stages, under the brightest lights, and in front of the largest crowds. Berlanga, while popular, has yet to face an opponent of Canelo’s stature, and the pressure of such a high-profile fight could prove overwhelming for a fighter who is still relatively untested at the highest level.
The Road Ahead for Berlanga
While the retired champion’s warning is harsh, it may serve as a valuable piece of advice for Berlanga as he continues to develop. Rather than rushing into a fight with Canelo, Berlanga may benefit from continuing to build his skills by facing tougher competition at a gradual pace. There are plenty of contenders in the super middleweight division who would provide Berlanga with the opportunity to prove himself without throwing him into the deep end against a fighter like Canelo.
Fights against opponents like David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, or Billy Joe Saunders could serve as excellent stepping stones for Berlanga. These fighters are all highly skilled and would force Berlanga to elevate his game. Moreover, a win against any of these fighters would legitimize Berlanga as a serious contender and potentially set up a future showdown with Canelo, when Berlanga is more experienced and battle-tested.
The boxing world has seen numerous young fighters rise quickly, only to be derailed by taking on challenges they weren’t ready for. Berlanga has the potential to be a star in the sport, but it’s important that he continues to refine his skills and gain valuable experience before stepping into the ring with an all-time great like Canelo.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Patience
The retired super middleweight champion’s warning to Edgar Berlanga, though blunt, highlights a crucial point: greatness in boxing isn’t achieved overnight. While Berlanga’s power and charisma have earned him a devoted fanbase, the sport’s elite fighters require more than just knockout ability. To compete with someone like Canelo Alvarez, Berlanga must focus on becoming a more complete fighter, honing his skills, and gaining experience against top-tier competition.
Berlanga’s future is bright, but as the retired champion has pointed out, rushing into a fight with Canelo could be a mistake. For now, the “Chosen One” must continue to prove himself in the ring, sharpening the tools necessary to one day challenge the best in the division. With patience, discipline, and the right fights, Berlanga could eventually find himself standing across from Canelo—but only when he’s truly ready to compete at that level