MatchRoom Boxing:
To start a career off like a house on fire is a good thing. It can also be detrimental in the long run. But nobody, especially early on usually looks at the big picture. And that’s the way it was for “The Chosen One” with Bob Arum at Top Rank. For now it’s Eddie Hearn‘s problem at MatchRoom to start to solving the Edgar Berlanga riddle.
Berlanga by no meaning is a stiff. He was gifted with some okay power. Heck, to start off 16-straight fights via early finish is proof of it. It’s also likely that match making had something to do with it as well. He’s now on on a five-fight unanimous decision win streak. And in this run he has been frustrated in spots by those that should be put away within four.
But he’s not the worst defensively either despite being countered at will at times. Which is just a case of too many mental lapses. The rounds he’s putting in now however, should teach him lessons he’ll need in the future. And if he gets the names he wants, his chin will be tested like never before. And that might spell his quickest downfall.
But the glaring problem he seems to have right now is between the ears. He’s worked with the likes of Juan De Leon, Marc Farrit, etc. Acceptable trainers for those on the come up especially for fighters with extensive amateur backgrounds. It’s clockwork but never challenging daily. And that’s the first issue that Hearn should solve. The rest would then take care of itself. Who should be on the possible radar? SugarHill Steward, and Derrick James are two choices that need to be on speed dial right now.
Solving The Edgar Berlanga Situation Fast Will Show If Hype Or Real
There’s nothing wrong with being a journeyman fighter. In the history of the “sweet science”, you can call out a zillion names. But the one thing Berlanga has right now is championship level belief. Another issue is Hearn doesn’t have a stockpile of super-middleweights to push him. So he’s had to call out the name on everyone’s mouth; Canelo Alvarez.
But now calling out Jaime Munguia is a good choice, whether Oscar De La Hoya thinks so or not. And with Hearn saying he’ll go to DAZN to push for it may seem like a childish move; it might just work. Both fighters have questions. Although Munuguia’s hand speed might light up Berlanga’s chin like a Christmas tree, he doesn’t have the overall skills to put Berlanga out. Perhaps Hoya knows this too. But it’s a risk Team-Berlanga needs to take right now.
If they stay in-house and face say, Gennady Golovkin, due to his age it’ll be a damned if you beat him, damned if you lose to him. However, a decision win against “GGG” will be the baptism under fire that can rebound a career. If a 21-0 career needs a rebound. Berlanga wants desperately to be in the main arena at The Garden, with one of these names. But he is no MIGUEL COTTO.
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