Berlanga eyes Crawford’s throne in 2026 comeback plan

Edgar Berlanga says he plans his “fight back” but is open to challenging Terence Crawford for his undisputed crown at 168. The Brooklyn, New York native states that he has “big things on the plate” for 2026 when he returns to the ring.

Can He be rebuilt?

Former Matchroom promoted Berlanga hasn’t given any hints about who he faces for his next fight, but it would be in his best interest to pick a safe, lower-level opponent to ensure he doesn’t get beaten again. His record is essentially built on victories over tomato cans. So, if he keeps doing that, he could remain a viable option for the true talents at 168.

Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs) was crushed by Hamzah Sheeraz in five rounds earlier this year on July 12 in Queens, New York. He didn’t look good at all in that fight, was dropped twice by Hamzah late in the fourth round, and was finished at the start of the fifth.

The loss was Edgar’s second in his last three fights, and it is doubtful whether he can be sufficiently rebuilt by his manager, Keith Connolly, to be a major player to land other big paydays.

Despite not beating any notable fighters, Berlanga made millions of his fights against Sheeraz and Canelo Alvarez. He is now rich and can afford to be picky. At 28, Edgar is rich and will have to stay hungry to turn his career around. We have seen what happened to many fighters after they got a taste of money.

Crawford on his radar

“For sure. Definitely,” said Edgar Berlanga Battle hype when asked if he would be interested in challenging Terence Crawford for his undisputed super middleweight championship. “At the moment I am focused on my comeback fight.”

It is unrealistic that Crawford would give Berlanga a title shot because it would be a complete waste. There will be no fan interest in such a mismatch. At this point Berlanga is down and out and is low hanging fruit for Bud or any of the top dogs at 168.

Superstar or Mirage?

“I have to put my head down. Whatever happened in my last fight is cool,” Berlanga said of his fifth-round knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz on July 12. “It didn’t dim my light at all. I’m still a superstar. I am the king of New York. I am fly I look good and I fight well.

Edgar is now free to sign with anyone, as a free agent after leaving Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. It is unclear whether Turki Alalshikh would be interested in using him for another one of his events after the way Sheeraz blew him out.

It would be more worthwhile for Turki to focus on better talents, such as these three super middleweights:

• Osley Iglesias
• Christian Mbilli
• Lester Martinez

“I’m excited for next year. I have big things on the plate,” says Berlanga.

Written by Ken Woods, Ringside Boxing Analyst, covering world title fights since 2018.