The reaction from fans was divided. Some supported Berlanga’s confidence. Others questioned whether he could still compete with the top names at 168 pounds after the Sheeraz loss exposed problems that have followed him throughout his career.
The loss changed the way many fans view Berlanga because it wasn’t a close fight or a controversial decision. Sheeraz walked him down, landed clean shots and stopped him in the fifth round. Berlanga had already lost a wide decision to Canelo Alvarez before that.
The move to Zuffa Boxing gives Berlanga, 28, another chance to rebuild his value, but it also puts him within a system that may not allow much room for failure. Dana White’s model has always favored fighters who produce results quickly and stay active. If a fighter loses momentum, the company usually moves on quickly.
This creates pressure for Berlanga because there is little appetite for slow rebuilding at the top level. At 168, another loss like the Sheeraz fight is likely to push him into gatekeeper territory.
The decision to leave Matchroom also increased the pressure on Berlanga’s team. Since manager Keith Connolly moved Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins and Conor Benn to Zuffa, Eddie Hearn has said he no longer plans to work with Connolly. Berlanga is now fully tied to the Zuffa project with no clear path back to the Matchroom side if things go badly.
There are signs that Berlanga is trying to make physical changes. Trainer Marc Farrait recently said Berlanga stayed around 188 pounds between fights, lower than in previous camps. The aim appears to be to improve his conditioning and mobility after Sheeraz exposed how vulnerable he looks under pressure.
The problem is that super middleweight remains one of boxing’s toughest divisions to survive in if a fighter can’t land clean shots or keep opponents off of him. Berlanga still has power and name recognition, but the undefeated prospect tag is gone.
Zuffa wants action fighters and memorable performances. Berlanga now has a short window to prove he still belongs near the top of the division instead of becoming another name used to build the next attraction.
If you ain’t got no haters you ain’t poppin!! I will never change who I am to please you haters! So keep hating and trolling the kid. While I’m stacking belts and continuing to hit RECORDS! pic.twitter.com/CiOQLgPWRa
— Edgar Berlanga Jr (@EdgarBerlangaJr) May 13, 2026
