Two Perspectives in Boxing

There’s a lot to unpack when you look at the contrasting views in boxing today.

Take Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs). He points out, “I’ve learned a lot over the years. To be a megastar in boxing, you could have all the titles you want—three undisputed champions or whatever—but if you can’t grab people’s attention…”

He continues, “I don’t have a world title, yet my popularity is way higher than someone who has multiple titles. This shows that a title isn’t everything in boxing.”

“In this day and age, if you can fight and entertain, if you’re not just running around the ring, looking for knockouts, and know how to engage the crowd, then you stand out. I’m the only guy on this card who brings that.”

On the flip side, there’s Shakur Stevenson:

“I’m not trying to speak ill, but honestly, none of that stuff really counts,” he told a reporter. “Everyone is entitled to their feelings and opinions.”

Both fighters are set to appear on a much-anticipated card this Saturday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the first boxing match to take place at the US Open venue.

Both athletes are 28 and hail from different parts of the same state: Berlanga from New York City and Stevenson from Newark. Yet, they couldn’t be more different.

Berlanga is all about flash, confidence, and a bit of bragging—he embodies style over substance.

His in-ring tactics are thrilling; he relentlessly seeks out knockouts. In fact, he started his career with an astonishing 16 first-round knockouts, totaling 18 out of 23 wins by stoppage.

However, it seems his stardom sometimes outpaces his appreciation.

Meanwhile, Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) is the complete opposite—less talkative, focusing more on substance than style.

He has a record as a three-division world champion and typically dominates his fights, but this might not sit well with casual fans. His fighting style yields fewer knockouts, relying heavily on a defensive and elusive approach.

This results in some less action-packed bouts, leading to a perception of being less entertaining. Some promotional companies have even jokingly likened his fights to a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Stevenson’s fanfare feels somewhat muted; he still lacks that breakout moment that would solidify him as a superstar.

This weekend, Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda, but Berlanga, in a super middleweight matchup against Hamza Ciaraz, takes the spotlight as the main event, with Stevenson listed as co-main.

It’s interesting how, in today’s boxing scene, attention can often matter more than accomplishments.

“Boxing is thriving around here,” Berlanga said. “New York is full of boxers, but not all of them bring what fans want. They don’t deliver exciting fights; they might as well just be running.”

He emphasizes the thrill of bringing energy and entertainment to the ring, stating, “When we perform, it’s all about the excitement, the flair that comes from New York. That’s our vibe.”

This Saturday night promises a unique atmosphere at the tennis stadium.

Stevenson anticipates a thrilling fight too.

“This is the first-ever boxing match at this stadium,” he mentioned. “I’ll be the one leaving my mark… I believe this fight will elevate my career. Zepeda will show a side to him that fans haven’t seen yet.”