Edgar Berlanga’s Manager Explains Strategic Decision for Upcoming Fight

Super-middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is preparing for a tune-up fight in anticipation of a more significant bout later this year. Matchroom Boxing recently announced that the 27-year-old will face relatively unknown middleweight Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on March 15.

Contrary to rumors of headlining an event in Puerto Rico, Berlanga will instead appear on the undercard of the Austin Williams vs Patrice Volny fight at the Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida. This matchup represents a step down for Berlanga, who is coming off a unanimous decision loss to super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez last September.

Despite being outclassed by Alvarez, Berlanga’s performance demonstrated his potential at the world-class level. This led many to expect him to face a more established opponent in his next fight. However, his manager, Keith Connolly, has revealed that there’s a strategic reason behind this decision.

Connolly explained to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, “Edgar had the opportunity to headline an event in March. We opted for a smaller co-main event deal because it will create an opportunity for a much bigger fight this summer.”

Former world champion Caleb Plant has been mentioned as a potential opponent for Berlanga, with the two fighters engaging in social media exchanges in recent months. A bout against Plant would certainly generate more interest among boxing fans compared to the upcoming fight with Gonzalez-Ortiz.

Interestingly, Rafael reports that this upcoming fight will be Berlanga’s last under his current contract with Matchroom Boxing. This adds another layer of significance to the strategic planning behind his next moves in the boxing world.