Edgar Berlanga’s upcoming July 12th bout against Hamzah Sheeraz in Queens, New York, has already generated buzz—not just for the fight itself, but for the psychological battles preceding it. Berlanga, an aggressive fighter with a strong knockout record, boldly claims he has “already beaten” Sheeraz in his mind. This mental angle, while intriguing, raises larger questions about the confidence and reality that surround both fighters as they prepare to face off on DAZN PPV.
The Psychology Behind Berlanga’s Bold Claims
Berlanga’s mindset going into the fight is clear: he perceives Sheeraz not just as an opponent, but as a stepping stone to a far bigger prize—an eventual showdown with Canelo Alvarez. He explicitly views Sheeraz through the lens of Canelo, essentially psyching himself up by magnifying the importance of this contest. This mental framing can be seen as a strategic move to boost his focus and intensity. However, such psychological posturing can be a double-edged sword. It suggests a hunger and ambition that can power a fighter forward, but it might also signal overconfidence or distraction from the immediate challenge at hand.
Sheeraz’s Position: Pressure and Expectations
Meanwhile, Hamzah Sheeraz finds himself in an odd predicament. Berlanga alleges that Sheeraz is under tremendous pressure to accept the fight in New York, and might actually prefer to be pursuing a Canelo fight instead. If true, this could imply hesitation and discomfort with the matchup—mental cracks that Berlanga hopes to exploit. However, Sheeraz’s undefeated record and recent performances make dismissing him as a mere obstacle premature. The narrative that Sheeraz is fixated on Canelo and neglecting the present fight kind of undersells the resilience required to remain undefeated in competitive rings.
The Reality Check: Berlanga’s Track Record and Marketed Image
One of the most critical points often overlooked in Berlanga’s bravado is the nature of his career trajectory. Early in his career, Berlanga was positioned by Top Rank against underwhelming opposition, amassing a series of knockout wins that created a polished but potentially inflated record. This tactic, common in boxing’s promotional circles, aimed to build hype around Berlanga but didn’t necessarily prepare him for top-tier competition.
When Berlanga finally faced Canelo Alvarez, his previously unchallenged style was exposed. Critics have pointed out that Berlanga struggled against mid-level fighters after this, raising doubts about his readiness for elite opposition. The fact that he moved from Top Rank to Eddie Hearn’s promotional stable and was then lined up for another bout with Canelo after only a handful of wins reflects a pattern in boxing where marketability sometimes trumps merit.
Criticism of Fighter Matchmaking and Career Management
The matchup between Berlanga and Sheeraz is emblematic of a larger issue in boxing: the balance between deserving opportunities and promotional maneuvering. Many fans and analysts feel Berlanga doesn’t yet deserve an immediate rematch with Canelo, especially with so few significant wins under his belt. Similarly, Sheeraz himself has benefited from questionable decisions in matchmaking—for instance, receiving a controversial draw against Carlos Adames that some argue inflated his standing.
This dynamic creates frustration among fans, who see deserving fighters such as Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez, Janibek Alimkhanuly, and Yoenli Hernandez waiting in the wings for their breakthrough bouts. The perception that fights are handed out based on promotion and marketability rather than merit undermines the sport’s integrity and alienates true boxing enthusiasts craving fresh talent and genuine competition.
The Fine Line Between Confidence and Hubris
Berlanga’s declaration that he has mentally beaten Sheeraz may serve as a motivating mantra, but it risks crossing into hubris. True mental fortitude in boxing requires respecting every opponent’s abilities, as one lapse can change the fight’s outcome in an instant. While confidence is an asset, dismissing Sheeraz’s capabilities or overestimating one’s own without commensurate recent performance could lead to self-sabotage.
In the context of his career, Berlanga is at a pivotal moment. He needs to prove that his earlier hype wasn’t just promotional smoke and mirrors by demonstrating discipline, skill, and adaptability in high-stakes fights. Defeating Sheeraz decisively would be a step forward, but anything less could confirm lingering doubts that his previous record was padded.
What Fans Really Want
From a fan’s perspective, the appeal lies in seeing genuine, hard-fought contests between evenly matched opponents. The circus-like theatrics of psychological warfare, while entertaining, cannot substitute for those moments of pure boxing skill and competitive spirit. While Berlanga’s mental gambit adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fight, true respect will be earned in the ring, not in pre-fight soundbites.
Ultimately, this fight is about more than just two fighters clashing—it’s a litmus test for Berlanga’s career direction and for boxing’s ongoing struggle between promotion-driven matchmaking and authentic meritocracy. Whether Berlanga’s mind games translate into victory or expose his vulnerabilities remains to be seen.
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