Veteran fighter Gabe Rosado has publicly criticized rising boxing sensation Edgar Berlanga, questioning his perception of stardom and marketability. In a recent interview with DAZN Boxing, Rosado accused Berlanga of being out of touch with reality regarding his drawing power after his high-profile bout against Canelo Alvarez last September. While Berlanga's future looks promising under the guidance of Turki Alalshikh, Rosado's critique raises intriguing questions about the fighter’s career trajectory and business acumen.

Unveiling the Truth Behind Berlanga's Stardom

Gabe Rosado’s remarks cast doubt on Berlanga's belief in his own star potential, asserting that the success of his fight against Canelo was primarily due to Alvarez's established fanbase rather than Berlanga's individual appeal. Despite this, promoter Turki Alalshikh remains confident in Berlanga's ability to draw crowds and has positioned him as the headliner for an upcoming PPV event.Berlanga's last outing against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz at the Caribe Royale in Orlando failed to generate the expected buzz, leaving many seats unfilled. This raises legitimate concerns about whether Berlanga truly possesses the charisma and name recognition required to sell tickets independently. Critics argue that without the backing of a global superstar like Canelo, Berlanga's allure diminishes significantly.The choice of venue for the Gonzalez-Ortiz fight—a relatively modest ballroom setting—further fuels skepticism. For a fighter claiming to be a headlining act, one would expect larger arenas and greater attendance figures. Yet, even within this smaller space, the turnout fell short of expectations. Such shortcomings highlight the disparity between perceived value and actual performance metrics.

Turki Alalshikh's Strategic Gamble

Turki Alalshikh's decision to feature Berlanga prominently on his July 12th card underscores both confidence and risk-taking in promoting young talent. By selecting Berlanga over more seasoned fighters such as Shakur Stevenson versus William Zepeda, Turki demonstrates faith in the younger contender's growth potential.Alalshikh’s strategy hinges on leveraging Berlanga's aggressive fighting style and burgeoning reputation to captivate audiences. A successful showing against Hamzah Sheeraz could elevate Berlanga into contention for higher-profile matchups, including potential showdowns with Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo. These names represent some of the most formidable challenges in the middleweight division, suggesting that Turki envisions Berlanga ascending rapidly through the ranks.However, this strategic positioning also carries inherent risks. Should Berlanga falter or fail to deliver compelling performances, it may tarnish not only his image but also Turki's promotional credibility. The pressure is thus immense for Berlanga to consistently perform at peak levels, proving skeptics wrong while justifying Turki's investment in his career.

Gabe Rosado's Lingering Bitterness

Underlying much of Rosado's criticism lies a palpable sense of resentment stemming from unresolved negotiations between himself and Berlanga earlier this year. Reports indicated discussions were underway for a February or March matchup in Puerto Rico; however, these plans ultimately collapsed, leaving Rosado feeling slighted.Rosado openly questions Berlanga's judgment in rejecting what could have been a lucrative opportunity. His tone reflects frustration over missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises, compounded by Berlanga's subsequent departure from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable. To Rosado, abandoning a promoter who delivered the coveted Canelo fight appears shortsighted and indicative of poor decision-making.Moreover, Rosado challenges Berlanga's understanding of the boxing industry, arguing that true stardom requires more than flashy victories. It demands longevity, loyalty, and strategic alliances—qualities he believes Berlanga lacks. This critique serves as both a personal jab and a broader commentary on navigating the complexities of professional sports management.

Why Did Berlanga Part Ways with Matchroom?

Edgar Berlanga's split with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom organization following the expiration of his contract last March remains a contentious topic. On the surface, the move seems puzzling given Hearn's instrumental role in securing the marquee match against Canelo Alvarez. However, Berlanga defends his decision by citing unmet expectations regarding title opportunities.Specifically, Berlanga contends that Hearn neglected to invest adequately in arranging a championship bout against then-IBF super middleweight champion William Scull. Had this contest materialized, Berlanga insists he would have emerged victorious, potentially paving the way for a rematch with Canelo for the undisputed 168-pound crown. This hypothetical scenario illustrates Berlanga's ambition and dissatisfaction with perceived stagnation under Matchroom's banner.Critics, however, counter that leaving a proven entity like Matchroom for uncertain pastures represents a gamble fraught with peril. Without the security of established promotional support, Berlanga must now rely heavily on Turki Alalshikh's vision and resources to sustain momentum. Success or failure in this new chapter will undoubtedly shape perceptions of Berlanga's career choices moving forward.

Berlanga's Path Forward Under Turki's Guidance

Looking ahead, Edgar Berlanga's association with Turki Alalshikh presents both opportunities and challenges. With each victory, particularly those showcasing dominance and flair, Berlanga inches closer to elite-level competition. Potential encounters with Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo loom large on the horizon, symbolizing milestones that could cement his legacy in the sport.Turki's commitment to ensuring Berlanga receives fair compensation regardless of affiliation with other major promotions like PBC highlights the significance placed on his development. Whether this translates into sustained success depends largely on Berlanga's ability to adapt, evolve, and maintain peak performance levels. Each step forward strengthens his case as a legitimate contender worthy of top billing, while setbacks might reinforce critics' doubts about his staying power.In conclusion, Edgar Berlanga stands at a critical juncture in his career, balancing ambition with pragmatism amidst scrutiny from peers and pundits alike. Time will tell if he can silence detractors and validate his aspirations—or if the path chosen proves too arduous to traverse successfully.