Edgar Berlanga wasted no time calling out top super middleweights following his one-round demolition of Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz last Saturday in Orlando. The 27-year-old Puerto Rican fighter, still riding the buzz from his massive payday against Canelo Alvarez last year, made it clear he wants Jaime Munguia, Jermall Charlo, or Caleb Plant next.
Fans in social media, however, have overwhelmingly clamored for a clash with Plant, hoping to see Berlanga face a legitimate 168-pound contender. The problem is that Berlanga, often referring to himself as the A-side due to his Puerto Rican fanbase, might price himself out by demanding a massive purse.
Watch Ammo vs. Volny full card highlights: Watch
There’s also doubt about Berlanga’s ability to remain at super middleweight. He weighed in at 169½ lbs for his latest fight and looked more like a cruiserweight on fight night, prompting questions about whether he can safely cut back down to 168 without serious strain. If he can’t, he might need to test the waters at light heavyweight, which complicates fights against Charlo and Plant even further.
Critics note that his so-called “hit list” doesn’t necessarily reflect the current best contenders at 168, citing fresh talent like Osleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco, and Christian Mbilli as bigger threats. Meanwhile, fighters like Charlo have barely competed in recent years and may no longer pose the challenge or bring the payday that Berlanga envisions. With fans demanding a genuine test – particularly in the form of Caleb Plant – it remains to be seen whether Berlanga’s desire for big money clashes with the boxing public’s desire for a meaningful fight.
Get to know more about Edgar here.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing