Edgar Berlanga is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to the ring on March 8, 2025, where he aims to bounce back from his last bout against the renowned Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. The super middleweight fighter, who holds the distinction of being one of Puerto Rico's brightest boxing talents, lost to Alvarez by decision last September 2024. This upcoming match, set to take place in Puerto Rico, brings with it hopes for redemption and re-establishment among the top contenders of his weight class.
Since his defeat to Canelo, Berlanga has been working diligently to reassess and refine his strategies, intent on showcasing his capabilities to both fans and potential opponents alike. His camp has been negotiating details for the March event, including the potential undercard, creating excitement among boxing enthusiasts anticipating his return.
One prospective fighter to join Berlanga on the promotional card is the unbeaten Puerto Rican flyweight Yankiel Rivera. Rivera, sporting an impressive record of 7-0 with four knockouts, made headlines recently by defeating Angel Gonzalez, who previously boasted a record of 14-0, by knockout within four rounds. This victory came during the Liam Paro-Richardson Hitchins fight at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, adding to Rivera's growing reputation.
While the exact opponent for Berlanga on March 8 is yet to be confirmed, preliminary talks have indicated interest in facing South Africa's Sivenathi Nontshinga. The seasoned Nontshinga, currently standing at 13-2 with ten KOs, holds accolades as a two-time champion at light-flyweight. His recent participation on various Matchroom boxing cards has enhanced his visibility and recognition within the sport.
With Rivera ranked second by the WBA and the No. 1 slot vacant, the lineup promises thrilling potential. The current WBA champion Seigo Yuri Akui is set to challenge fellow champion Kenshiro Teraji this March, leaving the door open for prospective competitors like Rivera to vie for the top position thereafter.
Matchroom's chief executive, Frank Smith, emphasized the urgency and significance of Berlanga's return on March 8, stating, "We’re trying to get him back active and targeted for the big fights. After his fight with Alvarez, we want him to remain engaged with the top fighters at 168. There's every intention to explore options for him, focusing on highly ranked contenders, aiming for top-15 positions within the WBO.”
Smith also noted the exciting future matchups on the horizon for Berlanga, which includes potential battles with notable fighters like Caleb Plant, Diego Pacheco, and possibly Jaime Munguia, should he also make his comeback. Each potential fight offers not only significant sporting challenges but also lucrative opportunities through the promotional events surrounding these bouts.
Will this return be the springboard Berlanga needs to re-establish himself as one of boxing's elite? Time will tell as the fight date draws near, and anticipation builds among boxing aficionados. Will Berlanga reclaim his status and prove he belongs among the top competitors at his weight? The upcoming March event is sure to give fans insight and excitement as the story of Berlanga’s career continues to develop.
Fans and boxing experts are on the edge of their seats, eager to witness how Berlanga's time away from the ring has shaped him. His dedication and training regimen since his September loss could provide insight on whether he can rise to the occasion this March. Berlanga appears committed to not just regaining his footing within professional boxing, but also to making each return bout count as he aspires to fulfill his promise within the sport's elite ranks.
With the potential undercard featuring Rivera, the July 8 event promises to be infused with local talent and Puerto Rican pride. The boxing community remains hopeful and enthusiastic for both the fights and the stories they will generate, bolstering the sport's popularity on the island. Berlanga's success could spark renewed interest and investment for boxing events within Puerto Rico, emphasizing the cultural significance of this upcoming bout.
Overall, Berlanga's return to the ring is not just about individual success but also about togetherness and the shared celebration of boxing among Puerto Ricans. The March 8 matchup is positioned as not just a personal milestone for Berlanga, but also possibly as a historic event for boxing on the island, showcasing the heart and grit of local fighters competing on the world stage.
This return is aimed to be more than just another date on the calendar; it’s expected to reignite Berlanga's career and energize the sport's fan base, reinvigorate local pride, and once again place Puerto Rican boxing firmly at the forefront of the global arena.