By Maestro Amílcar Barnett M., The Bronx, NY, USA-
On March 15th, boxing fans can look forward to an intriguing matchup as super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) faces off against the unbeaten Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (20-0-1, 16 KOs). This contest will be part of a DAZN live broadcast from the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, where it will feature prominently on the undercard of Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams battling Patrice Volny. Given Berlanga’s high-profile aspirations after his previous defeat to Canelo Alvarez, this pairing raises questions about his current trajectory in the sport.
The placement of Berlanga on the undercard is indicative of a calculated approach taken by his promoter, Matchroom. Following his recent loss, which was both significant and financially lucrative—netting him $10 million—his team has opted for a “rebuild” phase. Berlanga’s opponents have not exactly been world-class, and the choice to face Gonzalez-Ortiz, an opponent returning after a decade-long hiatus, seems to reflect a cautious management strategy. The 35-year-old Gonzalez-Ortiz may have shown resilience in his career’s early years, but the question remains whether he can still contend at a high level, particularly after such an extended absence from boxing.
Given Berlanga’s past struggles when up against elite-level fighters, a matchup with Gonzalez-Ortiz might be viewed by some as indicative of underlying concerns held by his management team. In boxing, reputational recovery after a loss can be tumultuous, especially when a fighter’s prior hype is considered. Promoters often look for matchups that come with the least risk, and this fight could suggest uncertainty regarding Berlanga’s readiness to face top-tier competition again soon.
The expectations are high for Berlanga to secure a swift victory to reignite discussions of a rematch with Alvarez. It is crucial for him to demonstrate his worth in the ring this time around and to showcase signs of forward momentum, lest he face further scrutiny from fans and critics alike.
On the other side, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz represents a question mark in this equation. After a ten-year hiatus from the ring, his return last year was marked by victories against relatively unknown opponents. While he may not have competed against the elite, Gonzalez-Ortiz’s past includes notable names such as Derek Ennis and Serhiy Dzinziruk, indicating that he has the skill set required to challenge Berlanga. Nonetheless, his age and time away from competitive boxing may hinder his performance, positioning Berlanga as the favorite despite the unpredictability surrounding both combatants.
As the matchup approaches, anticipation grows about how this fight will impact both fighters’ careers. For Berlanga, a decisive win could pave the way for bigger opportunities and perhaps reignite the flame for a rematch with Canelo Alvarez or another sought-after opponent, like Jaime Munguia. Conversely, a loss for either fighter could signify a drastic shift in their respective trajectories. Boxing’s landscape is unforgiving, and the stakes for each athlete are substantial. As spectators await the fight, only time will reveal how both Berlanga and Gonzalez-Ortiz will rise to the challenge.
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