Edgar Berlanga’s 16 first-round KOs are a distant memory. After getting dropped again in his comeback win over Butler, can he rediscover his aura, or is the power puncher now just an action fighter in decline?
Could be.
The Puerto Rican-American big hitter from NYC has had a shock to the system ever since that Canelo Alvarez defeat in 2024.
Hamzah Sheeraz of the UK nuked him and sparked him in his back yard after that in NY in 2025.
Some things to remember on this;
- Started career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts–an unprecedented aura of pure power
- That early dominance actually stunted his development, as he never needed to learn fight fundamentals
- Has now been dropped four times in his last six major fights–including against Canelo, Sheeraz, and Butler
- Beat Steven Butler by 7th-round TKO but was dropped in round two–got hurt again
- Critics say the “unbeatable power puncher” marketing is dead after back-to-back losses to Canelo and Sheeraz
- Eddie Hearn bluntly stated Berlanga “isn’t going to beat the top guys at 168”
- Some observers note his punches now seem to lack the old snap–“lost killer instinct”
- His saving grace: he keeps getting up and delivering thrilling fights, which still sells tickets
- Now viewed as an entertaining gatekeeper rather than a future world champion
- Called out Sheeraz for a rematch, but tapping back into that mythical KO aura may no longer be possible
To us, it looks like that old Bob Arum hype that he put behind Edgar Berlanga, is dead and gone at this stage.
Bloody right too.
Overrated, a puncher and tough but boxing ability not at that apex level in the sport.
His record for the time being is 24-2-19 KO.
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