Edgar Berlanga’s psychological approach toward his upcoming fight with Hamzah Sheeraz reflects a classic case of mental bravado, but one that might be dangerously misplaced. Berlanga claims “mentally, I already beat him,” likening Sheeraz to Canelo Alvarez, as if overcoming Sheeraz is tantamount to conquering boxing royalty. While confidence is indeed a vital trait for any fighter, Berlanga’s mindset teeters on the edge of overconfidence which may blind him to the tangible challenges ahead. The mental framing of Sheeraz as “Canelo” is designed to fuel motivation, but it walks a thin line from strategic focus to delusion if not backed up by skill and performance.
Context: Berlanga’s Troubled Path So Far
One cannot fully appreciate Berlanga’s current narrative without understanding the context of his career progression. Initially hyped by Top Rank, who seemingly manufactured his early winning streak against subpar opposition, Berlanga’s boxing résumé lacks depth and rigorous competition. His early 16 consecutive wins against token “tomato cans” painted a skewed picture of his readiness for the elite level. When faced with more credible opponents — like his clash against Canelo Alvarez — his vulnerabilities showed, exposing that the hype may have outpaced his actual abilities.
This pattern is not merely a storyline but an indicator that Berlanga’s confidence might not correlate with his true readiness. After departing Top Rank and joining Eddie Hearn’s promotional camp, Berlanga continued to face relatively unimpressive opponents before quickly being thrust into headlining fights and a title shot far earlier than most boxing purists would consider merited.
The Sheeraz Challenge: Underestimate at Your Own Peril
Hamzah Sheeraz, for his part, is no pushover despite Berlanga’s insinuation that Sheeraz’s team is distracted by dreams of a future Canelo bout. This is an assumption that could dangerously backfire on Berlanga. Fighters like Sheeraz often thrive when underestimated, and given his unbeaten record with solid knockout power, he is quite capable of exploiting any lapses in Berlanga’s focus or complacency.
Moreover, Sheeraz’s inclination to fight in Queens, away from his preferred circuits, might appear as a vulnerability but can also serve as a motivating factor rather than a deterrent. External pressure often forces fighters to elevate their mental fortitude — perhaps one advantage Berlanga is sidelining in his own calculations.
Why Boxing Fans Should Demand Substance Over Showmanship
The boxing community, increasingly savvy and critical, is weary of fights that seem contrived more by promotional convenience than genuine competitive merit. Berlanga’s push for a rematch with Canelo after only two meaningful victories rubs many fans the wrong way. Boxing’s history is riddled with tales where fighters prematurely positioned themselves for high-profile bouts, only to falter and dilute the sport’s competitive integrity.
Fans crave fresh and deserving contenders — fighters with real stories of conquest and skill, rather than mere marketability. The likes of Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, and Janibek Alimkhanuly represent a more authentic wave of challengers whose paths to prominence have been marked by genuine accomplishment rather than promotional padding.
A Cautionary Tale of Confidence Without Foundation
Berlanga’s mindset, while spirited, raises a broader issue in contemporary boxing: the balance between self-belief and grounded preparation. Real success stems from both mental toughness and proven capability inside the ring. Boxers who rely only on psychological games without substantially improving their craft and acknowledging their opponents risk being exposed when the spotlight shines brightest.
In Berlanga’s case, the upcoming bout against Sheeraz is not just a test of his physical skills but of his ability to recalibrate expectations and respect the challenge ahead. Should he fall into the trap of viewing Sheeraz merely as a stepping stone or a mental victory already secured, it could lead to a significant setback that fans and analysts alike would consider well-earned. This fight is an inflection point — a moment to prove whether Berlanga’s confidence is justified or simply overhyped bravado.