The boxing world was sent into a whirlwind of shock and disbelief when Edgar Berlanga, the once-promising American knockout artist, announced his retirement following a devastating loss to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. After the fight, Berlanga, visibly shaken and emotionally defeated, took to social media with a simple but powerful message: “I’M Finished!” The abrupt announcement stunned fans, fighters, and analysts alike, igniting a heated debate across the internet. The news not only marked the fall of a young star but also exposed the intense pressures that fighters face, particularly in the cutthroat world of boxing.
The Anticipation Before the Fight
Edgar Berlanga, often dubbed “The Chosen One,” entered the ring against Canelo Alvarez with high hopes and even higher expectations. At 26 years old, Berlanga had amassed a reputation for his fierce punching power, with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts early in his career. Many considered him a future superstar in the sport, capable of inheriting the mantle of the next big name in boxing. This fight against Canelo, the legendary Mexican pound-for-pound king, was viewed as a massive step up in competition—a make-or-break moment for the young fighter.
Canelo Alvarez, already a multi-division world champion and one of the greatest fighters of his generation, was expected to be a monumental challenge for Berlanga. With over 60 professional fights under his belt, Canelo was a seasoned veteran, known for his defensive mastery, precise counterpunching, and an almost invincible aura in the ring. Still, Berlanga’s youth, hunger, and raw power gave his fans hope that he could pull off a historic upset.
The fight, billed as one of the most exciting matchups of the year, attracted significant media attention. As the two fighters weighed in, the tension was palpable, with both sides brimming with confidence. Berlanga’s camp believed this was his moment to shock the world, while Canelo’s team knew their champion would deliver, as he had time and again.
The Fight: A Crushing Defeat
From the opening bell, it became clear that Berlanga was outmatched. Canelo, displaying the form that had made him a boxing icon, used his superior footwork and timing to neutralize Berlanga’s offense. Berlanga, known for his aggressive style, found it increasingly difficult to land clean punches on the elusive Canelo. As the rounds progressed, the gap in skill and experience became painfully apparent.
By the fifth round, Canelo had firmly established control of the fight, peppering Berlanga with precise shots to the body and head. Berlanga, unable to cope with the relentless assault, began to tire, his punches losing power and accuracy. By the eighth round, it was clear that Berlanga was fighting to survive rather than win. Canelo’s systematic breakdown of his younger opponent culminated in a brutal TKO in the tenth round, with the referee stepping in to save Berlanga from further punishment.
It was a sobering moment for the boxing world. The once-feared knockout artist, who had entered the ring full of confidence, was now left battered and broken. As the fight ended, Canelo, ever the sportsman, embraced Berlanga, offering words of encouragement. But the damage had been done.
“I’M Finished!”: Berlanga’s Shocking Retirement
In the hours following the fight, Berlanga shocked his fans and the entire boxing community by announcing his retirement via social media. His message was short but emotionally charged: “I’M Finished! Thank you for all the support throughout my career. I gave it my all, but this is the end.” The post quickly went viral, with thousands of comments flooding in—many expressing disbelief, sadness, and support, while others questioned whether the decision was made in the heat of the moment.
The outcry on social media was immediate and intense. Many fans were devastated, unable to comprehend how a fighter with so much potential could walk away after a single defeat, even if it was against one of the greatest boxers of all time. Some urged Berlanga to reconsider, believing that one loss—no matter how brutal—should not define his career.
However, others were more critical, questioning Berlanga’s mental toughness and ability to handle the pressures of the sport. “One bad fight and he quits? Boxing is for warriors, not for people who give up after a loss,” one comment read. Such responses highlighted the often harsh reality of boxing, where fans and critics alike expect fighters to rise from adversity, no matter how severe the setback.
The Pressures of Modern Boxing
Berlanga’s decision to retire after the loss to Canelo has sparked a broader conversation about the immense pressures faced by fighters in modern boxing. The sport, known for its brutal physical demands, also exacts a significant mental toll on its athletes. Fighters are often expected to perform at the highest level while dealing with intense public scrutiny, fan expectations, and the pressure to maintain their undefeated records.
For Berlanga, the weight of expectation may have been too much. After years of being hailed as the next big thing in boxing, the pressure to deliver on the grandest stage may have contributed to his decision to step away. In recent years, several high-profile boxers, including Ryan Garcia and Tyson Fury, have publicly spoken about the mental health challenges that come with competing at the elite level. Berlanga’s retirement serves as a stark reminder that even the most physically gifted fighters are not immune to the psychological strains of the sport.
The Legacy of Edgar Berlanga
If Berlanga’s retirement stands, it marks the end of a career that promised so much but ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations. His early knockout streak captured the imagination of the boxing world, but the loss to Canelo exposed the gap between raw power and the refined skills required to compete at the highest level. While Berlanga’s career may be defined by potential unfulfilled, he remains a figure of fascination—a fighter whose rise and fall occurred in the public eye.
The question now is whether Berlanga will stay retired or reconsider his decision after taking time to reflect. Many fighters have returned from retirement after experiencing similar setbacks, and the boxing world would undoubtedly welcome a Berlanga comeback. His youth and talent suggest that he still has much to offer the sport, but whether he can recover mentally and physically from the loss to Canelo remains to be seen.
Canelo’s Response
As for Canelo, the victory over Berlanga was yet another testament to his greatness. After the fight, Canelo praised Berlanga, saying, “He’s a strong kid, with a lot of heart. I know how tough these moments can be. He’ll come back stronger.” Canelo’s respect for his opponent was evident, but he also acknowledged the mental battle that comes with defeat, a battle that many fighters face behind the scenes.
The Road Ahead
Berlanga’s retirement has opened a window into the complexities of modern boxing. His story serves as a reminder that behind every fight lies a deeper emotional and mental struggle, one that can define a career as much as the victories in the ring. Whether Berlanga’s decision is permanent or just a temporary reaction to a crushing defeat, it has certainly sparked important discussions about the toll boxing takes on its athletes.
For now, the boxing world must come to terms with the abrupt end of a career that, for many, felt like it was just beginning. Edgar Berlanga’s story may be unfinished, but his declaration—”I’M Finished!”—has already left a significant mark on the sport and its future stars.