Edgar Berlanga’s bold declaration that he has “already beat” Hamzah Sheeraz in his mind ahead of their July 12th fight in Queens, New York is a fascinating example of how mental strategy plays a pivotal role in combat sports. Berlanga’s confidence isn’t just about physical preparedness; it’s a psychological ploy that frames his opponent as a mere stepping stone to a bigger prize: a fight with boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez. This mindset is double-edged—while it can fuel his determination, it risks underestimating Sheeraz and overlooking the tangible challenges inside the ring.
Berlanga’s palpable urge to see Sheeraz as “Canelo” symbolically inflates the significance of the upcoming bout for him personally. For Berlanga, Sheeraz isn’t simply another opponent—he’s the gatekeeper to a more lucrative and high-profile match. This kind of mental imagery is not uncommon in boxing, where fighters often visualize future victories to boost confidence. However, such mental tactics only hold up if matched by technical skill and fight readiness. Should Berlanga cling too tightly to his internal narrative without evolving his ring performance, his bravado could quickly backfire.
Questioning Berlanga’s Path and Performance
Looking at Berlanga’s career trajectory, it’s clear that the hype surrounding him has often outpaced his actual performances. Top Rank, his former promoter, crafted an early career path filled with carefully selected, low-tier opponents, frequently referred to as “tomato cans,” to build an unblemished record and a reputation for knockout power. This approach masks underlying weaknesses, which became more evident when he faced opponents with greater skills and experience.
Berlanga’s first defeat and subsequent uneven performances raised questions about his readiness for elite competition. His struggles against C-level fighters revealed limitations that raw power alone could not compensate for. The decision to switch promoters and work with Eddie Hearn was a bold move to reset his career. However, immediately thrusting him into a high-stakes title fight against Canelo was premature from a sporting perspective. It was more a marketing maneuver than a merit-based opportunity.
The boxing community remains skeptical about Berlanga’s leap into the spotlight so rapidly. His limited resume, including just two meaningful wins, does not convincingly place him in the elite conversation, where contender status demands consistent performances against top opposition—not just promotional matchmaking.
Hamzah Sheeraz: A More Formidable Foe Than Berlanga Acknowledges
Contrary to Berlanga’s dismissive framing of Sheeraz as a mere obstacle, Sheeraz represents a legitimate threat. With an undefeated record and impressive knockout ratio, he’s far from an easy tune-up fight. Sheeraz’s recent bouts, including a controversial draw against Carlos Adames, have generated attention and pointed to his potential as more than a fringe contender.
The narrative that Sheeraz is more focused on chasing a Canelo fight than preparing for Berlanga deserves scrutiny. Fighters and their teams often employ future-fight hype as a negotiation tactic and psychological play to increase leverage. Yet, this tactic can motivate their opponents even more. Berlanga’s accusation that Sheeraz doesn’t “want to be in New York” and is “under pressure” may reflect external conditions but doesn’t necessarily translate to Sheeraz being distracted or vulnerable.
In reality, the dynamics of home advantage, crowd energy, and even the pressures of proving oneself in hostile territory can swing a fight’s momentum. Berlanga must prepare to face a hungry and undeterred Sheeraz, not a mentally beaten caricature.
Boxing’s Need for Genuine Meritocracy Over Manufactured Opportunities
The situation between Berlanga, Sheeraz, and the looming shadow of a Canelo rematch shines a light on a broader concern in boxing: the tension between promotional narratives and genuine competition. Fighters like Berlanga are often squared away into marquee fights prematurely, driven more by promotional interests than by organic meritocratic progression.
Boxing fans crave authenticity and fresh matchups that truly test a fighter’s capabilities. The notion of Berlanga earning a quick rematch against Canelo with only a couple of wins under his belt is understandably unpopular. Fans want to see challengers like Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, Janibek Alimkhanuly, or Yoenli Hernandez, who have earned their positions through consistent performances against quality opponents.
Promotions must balance spectacle with substance. While mental games can build hype, they cannot replace hard-earned readiness and skill. In this environment, Berlanga’s mental confidence is not enough—his in-ring performance must validate his bravado, or the promotion’s machinations will be exposed as smoke and mirrors.
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