Edgar Berlanga’s bold proclamation that he has “already beat” Hamzah Sheeraz in his mind offers a fascinating glimpse into how fighters psychologically prime themselves before major bouts. Berlanga’s analogy of Sheeraz to boxing icon Canelo Alvarez isn’t merely bravado—it reflects an aggressive mental strategy to dominate early, aiming to disrupt Sheeraz’s confidence by projecting himself as the superior man even before stepping into the ring. Such psychological warfare is not uncommon in boxing and can sometimes give a tangible edge in competition. However, this mental posturing walks a thin line between confidence and delusion, especially when the underlying skill sets and recent performances do not convincingly align with that bravado.
Berlanga’s Early Career and Questionable Development
To understand the skepticism surrounding Berlanga’s claims, one must consider his career trajectory. Early on, Berlanga rode a wave of carefully managed matchmaking, facing largely unchallenging opponents that inflated his record but arguably did little to refine his skills. This pattern is reminiscent of the “tomato can” strategy historically used to build hype around prospects—pitting them against fighters who pose minimal risk. As Berlanga stepped up competition, however, his performances sparked doubts. His struggles against mid-tier opponents and a decidedly lackluster showing against Canelo showcased limitations that hype alone cannot mask.
This pattern illustrates the often-problematic intersection of promotional agendas and genuine fighter development. Top Rank initially magnified Berlanga’s image but stepped back when his limitations became apparent, which led him to switch promotional camps. While such moves can rejuvenate careers, they also raise questions about whether the hype surrounding Berlanga is grounded in realistic potential or primarily promotional spin.
Analyzing the Sheeraz Matchup: A Critical Perspective
The matchup with Hamzah Sheeraz carries considerable weight in Berlanga’s quest for relevance and validation. Sheeraz, undefeated—with the caveat of a questionable draw against Carlos Adames—represents a credible hurdle but not an insurmountable one for Berlanga if he performs at his peak. However, Berlanga’s confidence that Sheeraz is overlooking him in favor of bigger bouts, such as a possible fight against Canelo, may be more wishful thinking than fact. Fighters and their camps often play the negotiation and promotion game very deliberately, and underestimating an opponent, especially one as skilled as Sheeraz, is a dangerous gamble that has felled many overconfident contenders.
Moreover, Berlanga’s fixation on an immediate rematch with Canelo is premature and potentially unrealistic. While his mental framing might aim to keep him motivated and focused, boxing fans and analysts are generally wary of fast-tracking fighters who have yet to prove themselves against top-tier competition. The sport thrives on creating new stars through merit rather than manufactured hype, and critics often highlight that Berlanga’s resume does not convincingly merit a high-profile rematch so early in his career.
The Broader Landscape: Who Truly Deserves the Spotlight?
In the context of the super middleweight division, there are other fighters who arguably command greater respect and legitimate claims to contendership against champions like Canelo Alvarez. Names like Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, Janibek Alimkhanuly, and Yoenli Hernandez signify a deeper talent pool deserving of attention. These fighters have built their reputations through rigorous competition and consistent performance rather than promotional spins or mental posturing.
Berlanga’s narrative—claiming mental victory and downplaying Sheeraz’s threat—feels like a protective psychological façade rather than a reflection of reality. If Berlanga fails to elevate his in-ring performance to match his mental projection, he risks becoming a cautionary tale: a fighter whose hype outpaced his true development, leaving fans and analysts disillusioned.
Moving Forward: Potential vs. Reality
The path ahead for Berlanga is clear but demanding. To transcend his image as an overhyped prospect, he must demonstrate substantive skills and resilience, particularly in the upcoming Sheeraz fight. Overconfidence alone will not secure victories against high-caliber opponents. Berlanga’s mental framing strategies could, if backed by action, offer him a competitive edge, but if they serve primarily as a cover for technical shortcomings, the consequences will be stark.
In boxing, the mental game is undeniably important, but tangible outcomes in the ring always speak louder. Berlanga must decide whether to let his talents shine under pressure or let mental games mask underlying vulnerabilities that seasoned opponents will exploit without hesitation.