In a swift and decisive return to the ring, Edgar Berlanga demolished Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz with a first-round knockout at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The fight ended in less than a minute, with Berlanga delivering a series of powerful punches that left Gonzalez-Ortiz unable to continue.
This bout marked Berlanga’s comeback following his unanimous decision loss to Canelo Alvarez six months prior. Eager to reestablish his dominance in the super middleweight division, Berlanga faced Gonzalez-Ortiz, who had recently returned to boxing after a decade-long hiatus due to legal issues.
Despite missing weight by 1.6 pounds due to a bout with the flu, rendering him ineligible for the NABO Super Middleweight title on the line, Berlanga’s performance showcased his resilience and power.
He expressed interest in future high-profile fights, calling out notable names such as Caleb Plant, Jermall Charlo, and seeking a rematch with Canelo Alvarez.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has also shown interest in Berlanga, suggesting a potential matchup with Caleb Plant.
Hearn stated, “I like the Caleb Plant fight. I think that’s a brilliant fight. Two guys that are going to really spice it up at a press conference, two great fighters [and] two great 168-pounders.”
Critics, however, have questioned the quality of Berlanga’s opponent, pointing out Gonzalez-Ortiz’s long absence from the sport and lack of recent competition.
Despite these critiques, Berlanga’s emphatic victory has reignited discussions about his potential and future in the super middleweight division.
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