Edgar Berlanga’s impressive fight with Canelo Alvarez left many admirers stunned and impressed many as the two went the distance, believing they could endure Alvarez’s best shots and return them, promising what should have been an impressive breakthrough performance. Berlanga has since his fight against Alvarez been limited primarily to social media posts and public appearances that aim to promote his next fight, scheduled against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on March 15th. Unfortunately, Eddie Hearn and Boxlab Promotions’ decision to place this fight as part of an undercard of another non-title bout has further dampened public enthusiasm for Berlanga’s comeback fight.
Oscar De La Hoya took note of this situation and took to his Clapback Thursdays segment to voice his displeasure with both Alvarez and Berlanga, in particular following their performance against Alvarez. De La Hoya commented on how true stars like Alvarez should elevate opponents like Pacquiao or Mayweather into stardom when fighting them; De La Hoya then turned his focus onto Berlanga whom De La Hoya believes should have become one of the top prospects at 168 pounds following his performance against Alvarez; instead he accused Berlanga of going on what De La Hoya considered to be “bizarre victory tour,” where they celebrated regardless of any loss despite how disappointing De La Hoya found it to be.
De La Hoya didn’t stop there; he also coined a derogatory nickname for Berlanga, referring to him as “Bum-laga,” indicating a lack of public interest in Berlanga’s fights. This sharp criticism reflects De La Hoya’s skepticism about Berlanga’s ability to draw attention in the boxing world, especially concerning his upcoming match in Orlando which is seen as lackluster.
The criticism from De La Hoya was echoed by Caleb Plant, Berlanga’s long-time rival, who took a jab at Berlanga’s next fight announcement. Plant’s dismissive reaction to the fight’s announcement only adds to the negative sentiments surrounding Berlanga’s current standing in the boxing community.
Edgar Berlanga finds himself at an important crossroads of his career as critics like Oscar De La Hoya and Caleb Plant cast doubt upon him. The outcome of his March 15th fight can either convince them that his potential has been proven or further increase them.
De La Hoya’s remarks reveal the intense pressure placed upon boxers when striving towards greatness; Berlanga faces enormous odds despite this expectation and remains one of boxing fans and critics’ primary subjects for discussion.