To say the news would gather a storm would be an understatement. Six months after he suffered a career-first loss, Edgar Berlanga returns on a Matchroom card. On Saturday, March 15, at the Caribe Royale Orlando, he will face Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz for a ten-round non-title bout. The update seems to have sent boxing fans into a frenzy.

The Nuyorican was already under the radar. The way he reacted to his loss – it appeared as if he had been celebrating a grand achievement – had a few foaming at the mouth. What may come as a surprise is that some time ago, Edgar Berlanga had even listed out the names of potential opponents for his next fixture. So against the likes of Caleb Plant or Jaime Munguia, he has picked a fighter about whom perhaps only a handful had any knowledge.

Edgar Berlanga advances to his next ‘challenge’

Coming across the news, boxing enthusiast Ray Jackson didn’t mince words: “Berlanga is fighting the Walmart version of himself in his next fight 😂.” To his credit, unlike Berlanga, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz is an Olympian who subsequently turned professional in 2009.

But the problem is after the 2014 bout against Rogelio Medina Luna, Gonzalez-Ortiz went on a break that ended only last year. So taking an opponent with a debatable record raises several questions. But Edgar Berlanga nevertheless seems unperturbed. Through an Instagram post, he shared a poignant message advising followers not to be swayed by what social media dishes out.

Later, ESPN boxing insider Mike Coppinger spilled the beans. Berlanga’s manager, Keith Connolly, revealed that the sheer reason behind joining the March 15 co-main was to keep Berlanga active. It seems the team is aiming for a big fight. However, it’s unlikely to happen till ‘later this summer.’ “I won’t get into the details, but everyone will realize later why we made this move and how it leads to one of the big fights next,” Connolly is reported to have said. But it appears several fans had taken a stand. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

However, the fans are up in arms!

This one got down to brass tacks: “Berlanga back to stacking more cans than a recycling factory. Should wear a paper bag to the ring.” Regarding the level of his opponents, Berlanga may have faced a constant barrage of criticisms. But will fighting Gonzalez-Ortiz help him clear the stain?

Another jab followed, “I thought he was trying to get big like Canelo … what happened?” asked this fan. It’s a natural expectation. After squaring up against someone considered the “face of boxing,” your game should witness a level change. The resume should give a rundown of better challenges.

One user sounded quite disappointed. They said, “How do you go from Canelo to this bum!! This man cannot be a top 10 contender at all.” The credibility of Berlanga’s next fight will draw several questions. Gonzalez-Ortiz doesn’t hold any position in the top 15 ranks of the four sanctioning bodies.

Gabriel Rosado was another option. “I’d rather see Rosado, but that might be a dangerous fight for Bumlanga 🥴,” said this fan. Several reports suggested that Rosado was eagerly looking forward to a matchup with Edgar Berlanga. Keeping aside the outcome, many expect the fight to be a volatile one.

Amidst this hullabaloo, one voice of reason came into sight. “Ya, p**sy boys love talking fight games but are clueless on how it works,” the follower said. It’s high time people, especially fans, understood how the sport operates behind the scenes. Making a fuss about a matchup won’t suffice. Fans may have to accept what Keith Connolly suggested during his conversation with Mike Coppinger.

This might as well be the best route. Given the time elapsed, it will be better if Edgar Berlanga begins the year’s campaign with a tune-up. A loss to another established name might prove detrimental, and his resume will come under heavy scrutiny.

What about you? Do you agree with the measure taken by Edgar Berlanga’s team? Let us know in the comments down below.