Fans slam WBA over undeserved title shot

By Elliot Raines: WBA interim super middleweight champion Jose Armando Resendiz (16-2, 11 KOs) and Edgar Belanga (23-2, 18 KOs) are in negotiations for a fight in early 2026.

It’s an unusual bout, as former Eddie Hearn-promoted Matchroom fighter Berlanga has a 1-2 record in his last three fights, coming off a fifth-round knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz on July 12, 2025, in Queens, New York.

Rewarding failure?

For a 28-year-old Berlanga to fight for a world title, even an interim one, is somewhat unusual. This is an example of rewarding failure. He has lost two of his last three fights.

Many fans believe that Berlanga made a mistake by leaving Hearn after leading him into a mega-million fight against Canelo Alvarez last year on September 14, 2024.

Merit system ignored

In the merit system of boxing, #12 WBA, #12 WBO ranked Edgar should be forced to claw his way up from the bottom of the rankings to get another world title of any kind, rather than have it handed to him on a silver platter based on his popularity in small pockets of New York City.

Mike Coppinger revealed today the plans for the Berlanga vs Resendix battle for the first quarter of 2026.

Berlanga’s last three fights

• Hamzah Sheeraz (July 12, 2025) – KO loss in the 5th round
• Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz (March 15, 2025) – 1st round knockout win
• Canelo Alvarez (September 14, 2024) – 12-round unanimous decision loss

Resendiz, 26, is coming off a 12-round split decision upset win over WBA interim super middleweight champion Caleb Plant on May 31, 2025 in Las Vegas. He was chosen as an opponent for Plant to use to get the ring rust out of him to get ready for a big money fight against Jermall Charlo.

Resendiz’s breakthrough win

The move backfired on the 33-year-old Plant, with the younger fighter Resendiz knocking him out on the inside. Plant looked like he had recycled the same game plan he used in his previous fight against Trevor McCumby on September 14, 2024, but it was a big mistake. The Mexico-born Resendiz was the superior fighter in close quarters. ‘Sweethands’ Plant was slow to switch to his usual fighting style, which cost him. The scores were 116-112, 116-112 for Resendiz and 115-113 for Plant.

Elliot Raines has been covering British and European boxing since 2010. Known for his sharp pen and low tolerance for hype, Raines analyzes the sport’s politics, promoters and paper champions with dry precision.