Edgar Berlanga’s approach to his July 12th clash with Hamzah Sheeraz goes beyond mere preparation — he claims victory in his own mind before the first bell even rings. Berlanga’s assertion that he has “already beat” Sheeraz mentally stems from his belief that Sheeraz is more focused on an aspirational fight with Canelo Álvarez than the present challenge in Queens, New York. This sort of psychological warfare is not unheard of in boxing; fighters frequently use mind games to unnerve opponents or to boost their own self-belief. However, Berlanga’s declaration raises the question: is this confidence based on genuine superiority, or is it a smokescreen masking deeper vulnerabilities?
The critical lens suggests Berlanga’s mental bravado might be a double-edged sword. While mentally preparing himself is crucial, underestimating an opponent because they appear distracted could be hazardous. Sheeraz’s supposed fixation on a future mega-fight might just be a narrative Berlanga has constructed to motivate himself— and if Berlanga fights as carelessly or incompetently as he did previously against Sheeraz or Canelo, the mental edge won’t matter once the punches start flying.
Career Trajectory and the Illusion of Stardom
Berlanga’s career to date underscores a pattern of overhyped potential met with underwhelming challenges and results. His initial run of 16 straight early stoppages built the illusion of a knockout artist destined for glory, but the quality of opposition was suspect—labelled by critics as “tomato cans,” or low-caliber fighters whose primary function was padding Berlanga’s record. This approach, often employed by promotional outfits like Top Rank, can inflate a boxer’s perceived readiness and marketability without truly preparing them for elite opposition.
Stepping up the level exposed these cracks. Facing mid-tier “C-level” fighters, Berlanga exhibited struggles, leading to a demotion from headliner status and a subsequent switch to Eddie Hearn’s promotional stable—a move aimed perhaps at reviving his trajectory. However, even with the change in camp, the matchmaking has been questionable; opponents like Jason Quigley and Padraig McCrory hardly signal a meaningful step up, yet Berlanga’s last major bout was an ill-deserved title fight against Canelo, a mismatch many viewed as orchestrated rather than earned.
This background calls into question Berlanga’s “destiny for greatness” narrative. True greatness in boxing is forged through adversity and tested against worthy battlegrounds—not through a series of carefully curated contests designed more for spectacle than genuine competition.
Sheeraz: Underrated Obstacles and Missed Opportunities
On the other side of the ring, Hamzah Sheeraz carries an unblemished record marred only by a controversial draw, which some critics deride as a “gift.” Despite this, Sheeraz has shown enough promise to be considered a serious contender, sometimes overlooked in the hype machine’s frenzy for marketable names. Berlanga’s dismissal of Sheeraz as merely a gatekeeper to bigger fights underestimates the British boxer’s potential and resilience.
There is a troubling dynamic when perceived future super-fights create a distraction or pressure on fighters like Sheeraz. Yet, it’s important to view such contests in the here-and-now. Both fighters’ careers hinge on the outcome. Berlanga betting on Sheeraz not truly wanting the fight or being distracted by thoughts of Canelo lowers the bar for Sheeraz to upset the favorite. For loyal fans craving fresh stars and exciting matchups, Sheeraz versus Berlanga is promising—a chance to see authentic competition that can either validate Berlanga’s claims or expose them.
The Bigger Picture: The Search for New Contenders
The boxing community is yearning for new faces to challenge established icons like Canelo Álvarez. Berlanga’s narrative of fast-tracking to a rematch with Canelo after a handful of significant opponents disappoints many purists, who argue that more deserving fighters exist waiting in the wings. Names like Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, Janibek Alimkhanuly, and Yoenli Hernandez have been floated as fighters with compelling resumes and styles that could inject fresh excitement into the division.
Building contenders through genuine obstacles, rather than scripted pathways, strengthens the sport’s fabric. Berlanga’s path so far appears emblematic of a system that prioritizes theatrics over merit, a trend that risks alienating discerning fans and dulling the competitive spirit critical for boxing’s endurance as a truly great sport.
To Berlanga’s credit, his self-belief and confidence are valuable traits that champions must possess. Yet, the true test of mental and physical preparation only happens when the lights are brightest and the opposition is fierce. Should Berlanga approach Sheeraz with the same intensity and discipline he demands of himself, this fight might be a pivotal moment in his career — but if it becomes just another stage for bravado devoid of genuine challenge, the sport will swiftly remind him of reality’s unforgiving nature.
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