On September 14 this year, Brooklyn-born Edgar Berlanga went full twelve rounds against one of boxing’s biggest names, Canelo Alvarez, at the T-Mobile Arena. Coming off a convincing victory over Padraig McCrory in February, Berlanga became the Mexican’s mandatory challenger after interim WBA champion David Morrell vacated the title to move up a division.

For any boxer, sharing the ring with a legend like Alvarez is a notable achievement. Berlanga, who reportedly earned a $3 million purse, is no exception. However, a surprising narrative emerged in some circles—claims that Berlanga had been celebrating his loss. With the new year underway, fans are eager to see ‘The Chosen One’ deliver another stellar performance. But before Berlanga steps back into the ring, he might benefit from reflecting on comments made by former middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade.

Andrade weighs In: Addressing perceptions and narratives

During an interview, Demetrius ‘Boo Boo’ Andrade shared his thoughts on Berlanga while speaking with Marcos Villegas. The conversation began with Villegas asking Andrade about perceptions of his own career, particularly after his fight against David Benavidez. “What do you make of the perceptions based on how you looked against David (Benavidez)? People are counting you out and saying, like, Hey, you know, Andre’s not the same fighter as he was,” asked the Fight HUB TV’s founder.

Andrade acknowledged the criticism. But he suggested that much of it stems from media narratives rather than fan opinions. He defended his performance, emphasizing that his fight with Benavidez was not one-sided but competitive. Nevertheless, Andrade expressed frustration with the treatment meted out to him. Despite losses, fighters like Jaime Munguia, Caleb Plant, and Jermell Charlo have continued to secure major fights. In contrast, he has been unfairly sidelined.

Villegas highlighted that perhaps the reason behind that could be that many consider Andrade a ‘high-risk, low-reward’ case. ‘Boo Boo’ rejected the idea. Anyone who fought him made good money. Perhaps the most they could’ve made unless they fight someone like Canelo Alvarez! That turned the discussion onto the ‘Canelo Effect’.

Top Comment by Truestory140

BOO BOO HASNT GOTTEN GOOD FIGHTS BCUZ HE ONLY FOUGHT 1 NAME & THATS BENEVIDEZ ???????? ITS CALLED PRIZE ????...more

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The case with Edgar Berlanga

Demetrius Andrade shared how fighters prefer to chase a fight with Canelo Alvarez for the payday, even if it results in a loss, rather than taking on competitive challenges. Andrade used Edgar Berlanga as an example to illustrate this trend. He criticized Berlanga for seemingly capitalizing on his fight with Alvarez without achieving significant milestones in the sport.

“You haven’t beaten anybody, have gotten a ring, and done nothing in this sport, never a world champion, and tell people to get in line,” remarked Demetrious Andrade. According to him, boxers should focus on building their legacies through meaningful fights against credible opponents rather than merely chasing big paydays.

One should note that Demetrious Andrade isn’t the only one who has questioned Edgar Berlanga’s actions. Jaime Munguia also expressed confusion over Berlanga’s perceived celebration of his first career loss. Similarly, Gervonta Davis criticized Berlanga for what he called ‘celebrating failure’.

Perhaps the debate over Berlanga’s approach to boxing and his fight with Canelo Alvarez may continue for some time. In the meantime, what do you make of Demetrious Andrade’s perspectives on ‘The Chosen One’? Share your thoughts below.