EDGAR Berlanga returned to the ring for the first time since his coming-of-age September 2024 defeat to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, trouncing fellow Puerto Rican Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in 2-31 of the opening round.
It was optimistically scheduled for 10 rounds, but Berlanga got straight back to business, doing what he does best: scoring a first-round finish.
His stunned opponent was once a capable boxer, but a long prison stretch had taken its toll and the flabby midriff showed where Gonzalez-Ortiz was at physically.
Berlanga dropped him with an early left hook, sent him into the ropes soon after with a combination and had the veteran’s eyes rolling with a final flurry as referee Christopher Young dived in.
Even though promoter Eddie Hearn was in the corner congratulating his man, this was the final fight of Berlanga’s contract with Matchroom.
Improving to 23-1 (18 KOs), the 27-year-old made it known that he was interested in fighting rivals like Jaime Munguia, Jermall Charlo, Caleb Plant and Canelo (in an unlikely rematch).
“I’m a free agent, I’m going to take over the division and become the king,” stated the new WBO NABO super-middleweight titlist. Hearn mentioned Caleb Plant as his preferred next opponent. “F**k Plant,” Berlanga repeated in the background as Eddie hoped to extend their promotional relationship.
