Edgar Berlanga, the dynamic super middleweight contender, has candidly admitted that his personal animosity towards Steven Butler led him to abandon his disciplined boxing strategy during their recent bout. The admission, reported by sportsamo.com, comes as Berlanga dissects the fight, pinpointing a second-round knockdown as the moment his emotional response overshadowed his tactical game plan. He now believes that a more measured approach, focused on his jab, would have secured a cleaner and more decisive victory.
Berlanga’s reflection reveals a profound understanding of what went wrong in the ring. "I was boxing him beautifully the first round. Practically the whole second round till when I got the count," Berlanga stated in an interview with YSM Sports Media. This initial assessment highlights a period of controlled aggression and strategic execution that was disrupted by a shift in his mental state. The turning point, as described by Berlanga, was the knockdown itself, which he attributes not to a devastating punch, but rather to a momentary lapse in balance. "Right there I lost it. I was tight. I turned this into a street fight because I didn’t like the guy. I didn’t like him at all. I didn’t like his energy. I didn’t like what he was saying. I didn’t like fight week. I just really didn’t like this dude." This visceral reaction underscores the intense personal nature of the rivalry and its detrimental impact on his performance.
Further analysis of the knockdown footage has led Berlanga to conclude that he was not significantly hurt. "When I rewatched the video, my foot was a little bit off balance," he explained. "He threw the punch and pushed me at the same time. I wasn’t hurt or nothing. I was fine." This revelation is crucial, as it suggests the knockdown was more a consequence of the fight’s escalating intensity and his reactive mindset than a testament to Butler’s power. The subsequent surge of adrenaline and anger, however, proved to be a formidable opponent in itself. "I saw red," Berlanga admitted, describing an overwhelming desire to retaliate. "I just wanted to hurt this dude. I was pissed the ref jumped in because I wanted to keep punching him." This unbridled aggression, while perhaps understandable given the circumstances, is precisely what he now recognizes as a deviation from his optimal fighting style.
Berlanga draws a clear parallel between this emotional entanglement and his past performances, most notably his twelve-round decision loss to boxing icon Canelo Alvarez. He cites that fight as evidence of his capacity for sustained discipline when he adheres to his boxing fundamentals. "When I fought Canelo, I was sharp for 12 rounds," Berlanga asserted. "I know I can do it. I just got to stay disciplined." This comparison is significant, as facing an opponent of Alvarez’s caliber demands unwavering focus and tactical precision. Berlanga’s ability to go the distance and remain competitive against one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best demonstrates that his potential for disciplined boxing is not in question, but rather his consistent application of it.
The introspection has been a collaborative effort, with Berlanga actively engaging with his trainer to dissect the fight’s nuances. This post-fight review has solidified his understanding of the errors made and the necessary adjustments. "I take accountability on that," Berlanga stated unequivocally. "I should have remained behind the jab the way I was doing. I was being bad with the jab and staying alert. The knockout would have came super sweet." This acknowledgment of responsibility is a hallmark of a maturing fighter. The jab, often considered the most important punch in boxing, serves as a range-finder, a defensive tool, and a setup for more powerful combinations. Berlanga’s recognition that he neglected this fundamental weapon in favor of a more chaotic brawl is a critical learning experience.
The super middleweight division is one of the most talent-rich and competitive in modern boxing. With champions like Saul "Canelo" Alvarez still a formidable presence, and rising stars like David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. vying for supremacy, the landscape is fiercely contested. Berlanga, with his impressive power and undefeated record (prior to his most recent outings where his record has seen some challenges), has long been positioned as a future contender for these elite matchups. His power, evidenced by his streak of early knockouts at the beginning of his career, has often been his calling card. However, as he climbs the ranks, opponents are increasingly capable of weathering early storms and exploiting tactical weaknesses.
Berlanga’s recent performances, including the fight against Butler, have shown that while his raw power remains a significant threat, his ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure is crucial for his long-term success. The super middleweight division is characterized by its technical prowess as much as its brute force. Fighters like Jermall Charlo (though moving up in weight), Caleb Plant, and the aforementioned Munguia and Eubank Jr. all possess distinct skill sets that require strategic dismantling. Berlanga’s acknowledgment of his emotional disconnect signifies a desire to evolve beyond relying solely on his knockout power.
The potential opponents mentioned for Berlanga – a rematch with Hamzah Sheeraz, or bouts against Chris Eubank Jr., Caleb Plant, and Jaime Munguia – represent a challenging but logical progression. Each of these fighters presents a unique stylistic puzzle. A rematch with Sheeraz, who handed Berlanga a significant defeat, would be an opportunity for redemption and a direct test of his newfound commitment to discipline. Eubank Jr. is known for his speed and boxing ability, Plant for his technical skill and defensive acumen, and Munguia for his offensive firepower and resilience. To overcome any of these formidable opponents, Berlanga will need to demonstrate the controlled aggression and tactical intelligence he displayed in the early stages of the Butler fight.
Berlanga’s introspection and public admission of his shortcomings are positive indicators for his future. The ability to self-critique and learn from mistakes is a sign of maturity and a commitment to growth. The boxing world will be watching closely to see if Edgar Berlanga can translate these valuable lessons into consistent, disciplined performances, solidifying his position as a genuine threat in the highly competitive super middleweight division. His journey from explosive knockout artist to a more refined and strategically astute boxer will be a compelling narrative to follow. The path forward demands not just power, but patience, precision, and an unshakeable mental fortitude.
