In a move that surprised many but delighted devoted boxing aficionados, veteran pugilist Gabe Rosado marked his return to the squared circle not with a cautious re-entry, but with a decisive first-round knockout. The immediate aftermath? A direct and unreserved challenge to fellow Puerto Rican contender Edgar Berlanga, setting the stage for a potentially compelling domestic showdown.
The Swift Return of a Seasoned Fighter
At 39 years old, Rosado`s recent professional activity had seemingly shifted from the ring canvas to the commentator`s chair. His brief retirement, announced in April 2023 following a points loss to Bektemir Melikuziev—a rematch that saw Melikuziev avenge a prior dramatic one-punch knockout defeat—appeared to signal a graceful transition to a new chapter in broadcasting. Yet, the allure of competition proved too strong to resist.
His opponent for this comeback, Crispulo Javier Andino, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, quickly found himself outmatched. Rosado, exhibiting sharp precision and control, secured his 27th career victory with a dominant knockout in the opening round of their light-heavyweight bout. For a fighter who had been away, even for a short stint, the performance was a stark reminder of the underlying power and experience that still resides within him.
“Unfinished Business” and a Call-Out Heard Round the Island
No sooner had the dust settled from his victory than Rosado turned his attention to a specific target: Edgar Berlanga. The Philadelphia-born fighter wasted no time in articulating his desire for a clash on Puerto Rican soil, a call that carries significant cultural weight given both fighters` heritage. Rosado`s challenge was punctuated with a pointed reference to Berlanga`s recent defeat at the hands of Hamzah Sheeraz, an outcome that, in Rosado`s words, offered Berlanga a “piece of humble pie.”
“We want [Edgar] Berlanga in Puerto Rico. He got a piece of humble pie so he gotta come back strong, I came back after a two-year layoff, we Boricua’s, let’s do it in Puerto Rico.”
“Berlanga can’t talk shit no more. We can run this in Puerto Rico, let’s go. And I’m the one who really has the island behind me.”
This challenge is more than just a promotional tactic; it reflects Rosado`s deep-seated conviction that he has “unfinished business” in boxing. His time as a ringside analyst for DAZN, he explained, only served to stoke the competitive fire, igniting an “itch” to return. Re-teaming with his original trainer, Billy Briscoe, Rosado views this as not merely a comeback, but a “new beginning, another chapter.”
The Road Ahead: A Veteran`s Pursuit
While the prospect of a Rosado-Berlanga bout in Puerto Rico is undoubtedly an intriguing one, its actualization remains subject to the complex dynamics of professional boxing. Yet, what is undeniably clear is the reinvigorated spirit of Gabe Rosado. His swift, decisive victory and immediate, bold challenge underscore a veteran who is not content to merely participate, but rather aims to leave an indelible mark on his storied career.
In a sport often defined by its unforgiving nature and the fleeting moment of peak performance, Rosado`s comeback serves as a testament to the enduring passion of an athlete. He returns not for a mere curtain call, but seemingly with a renewed purpose, ready to challenge established names and perhaps, rewrite a few more chapters of his boxing legacy. The narrative of “unfinished business” is compelling, and for fans, the next pages promise to be anything but dull.
