Edgar Berlanga’s recent comments about his upcoming fight with Hamzah Sheeraz reveal a notable psychological tactic—or perhaps a dangerous overconfidence. Berlanga claims he has “already beaten” Sheeraz in his mind, likening him to the legendary Canelo Alvarez, the very name every contender wishes to face but few realistically can. This assertion is not just bravado; it’s a calculated mental approach that Berlanga hopes will give him a psychological edge. He perceives Sheeraz as distracted, fixated on a bigger payday against Canelo, and believes that this tunnel vision will give him the upper hand on July 12th in Queens, New York.
The concept of psychological advantage is well-known in combat sports, but Berlanga’s declaration borders on presumptuous. While hypnosis or visualization techniques can bolster a fighter’s confidence, dismissing an undefeated and formidable opponent like Sheeraz as if the fight is already decided could backfire spectacularly. Berlanga’s mind games may energize him, but they do not mitigate the considerable skills Sheeraz brings into the ring, nor do they erase prior shortcomings Berlanga has displayed.
When Early Success Masks True Potential
Berlanga’s record is impressive at first glance—23 wins with 18 knockouts; however, a deeper analysis reveals a fighter whose initial streak was artificially inflated. His early career was padded with “tomato cans,” opponents unlikely to challenge his capabilities. This factory-style matchmaking, often a staple for promising prospects, can conceal real weaknesses that only surface when confronted with high-caliber opponents.
Indeed, when Berlanga finally stepped into the ring against stiffer competition, including a recent bout with Canelo Alvarez, he faltered. His struggles illuminated a gap between hype and ability, exposing vulnerabilities that his padded record could no longer hide. Rather than building genuine momentum, Berlanga’s progress stalled, prompting him to leave Top Rank for Eddie Hearn’s promotion, hoping for better opportunities—a move signaling uncertainty rather than a confident step forward.
Sheeraz: More Than a Stepping Stone
Hamzah Sheeraz enters this bout undefeated with 21 wins, 17 by knockout, and a draw that sparked debate over fairness. The criticism that Sheeraz is merely a gatekeeper to a Canelo fight undervalues his skill and determination. While it’s true Sheeraz has had moments of controversy—such as scrutiny over the fairness of his draw against Carlos Adames—the fighter is no mere placeholder. He represents a significant challenge, an opponent capable of exploiting Berlanga’s tendencies toward overconfidence and exposing weaknesses in his style.
Berlanga’s assumption that Sheeraz is already looking “past” him may be nothing more than a hopeful projection. Fighters often balance multiple objectives and distractions, but underestimating an opponent due to assumed distractions is perilous. This attitude suggests Berlanga’s focus remains on the next big payday—Canelo—rather than on establishing dominance in the division through consistently overcoming all contenders.
Boxing’s Demand for Authentic Contenders and Fresh Blood
The boxing world—and its fans—have become increasingly skeptical of fighters thrust into the limelight through promotional maneuvering rather than merit. Berlanga’s trajectory reeks of this cautionary tale. With boosted early records, questionable matchmaking, and a premature title shot against a generational talent like Canelo, Berlanga currently embodies a boxer whose rise feels orchestrated rather than earned.
Fans crave authenticity and eagerly anticipate fresh blood rising in the sport to replace the established elite. The idea of Berlanga securing a quick rematch with Canelo after only a handful of high-profile fights is unlikely to generate excitement; it contradicts boxing’s organic growth narrative that champions earn opportunities through consistent, measurable success, not through promotional muscle.
On the other hand, fighters like Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, Janibek Alimkhanuly, and Yoenli Hernandez represent a more compelling future. These contenders have more demonstrable merit and arguably deserve the attention and opportunities Berlanga seeks.
Mindset vs. Reality: The True Test in the Ring
Berlanga’s mental preparation and his outlook on the Sheeraz fight expose a common—but risky—phenomenon in boxing: mistaking psychological bravado for technical and tactical superiority. Confidence is vital, but it must be undergirded by adaptability, discipline, and proven skill. Mental dominance is only meaningful if it translates into flawless execution in the ring.
If Berlanga treats Sheeraz as a mere stepping stone to Canelo and fails to respect the challenge posed, history suggests he could suffer another setback. The fight’s outcome hinges not on mind games or future dreams, but on current realities: preparation, respect for the opponent, and tactical execution.
Ultimately, Berlanga’s claim of having mentally defeated Sheeraz might be more reflective of his aspirations and insecurities than a true advantage. Unless he evolves beyond mental games and solidifies his skills, his future—even with the hope of a lucrative Canelo fight—remains uncertain.