Hamzah Sheeraz KO’s Edgar Berlanga

Not seizing the moment

All week long, Berlanga talked about how pivotal this moment was for his career. Particularly a clash with Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed face of boxing at 168 pounds. Without a doubt Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs) carried the pressure of fighting at home, in front of a loud New York crowd, with expectations of delivering a star making performance.

“I’m not taking you lightly. I know you’re coming because Turki got a plan for you. He told you, ‘You beat Berlanga, I’m giving you Canelo.’ You’re going straight to Canelo after this. I’m your Canelo right now.”

But what was supposed to be a launchpad turned into a brutal reality check. Instead of seizing the spotlight, Berlanga was overwhelmed, outclassed, and ultimately stopped by a composed and clinical Sheeraz. The British contender took Berlanga’s moment and made it his own flipping the narrative and positioning himself for a potential future showdown with Canelo. The possible title shot will be going to Sheeraz now. Turki Alalshikh will do everything in his power to make that fight happen if Canelo defeats Terence Crawford.