Hamzah Sheeraz says Edgar Berlanga’s performance against Canelo Alvarez showed that he is not a warrior, and that’s what they refer to as an “empty can” in terms of courage. Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) states that when Canelo dropped Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) in the third round, he got up and chose to “box” the Mexican star.
Sheeraz Sees Berlanga’s Surrender
Hamzah views it as a sign that Edgar lacks “substance.” If he believed in himself, he would have gotten up and gone to war with Alvarez and been willing to go out on his shield. Berlanga did the opposite. He sees the Brooklyn, New York native as “delusional” about how he paints a heroic picture of himself when discussing his performance to the media. He makes himself sound like a war hero rather than a fighter who surrendered in a cowardly fashion.
Sheeraz faces Berlanga in the 12-round main event on Turki Alalshikh’s card on July 12th at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. The fight is seen as a 50-50 one in the eyes of fans.
“He respected Canelo too much, and that’s the truth. He used his arm [injury] as an excuse,” said Hamzah Sheeraz to Ring Magazine, discussing why Edgar Berlanga lost to Canelo Alvarez last September. “When he got dropped [by Canelo], he felt the power. He’s an empty can, because if there was any substance in him, he would have got up and had it out with Canelo. He wouldn’t have tried to box, and that’s what he done.”
In hindsight, he could have won that fight if he’d poured it on the way he did in the 12th round. However, the confidence wasn’t there. Hamzah saw the same thing. Berlanga showed too much respect for Canelo and just gave up after the knockdown in round three.
Berlanga fought bravely in the 12th round, but looked like he was in survival mode from rounds 1 through 11. He looked like he didn’t want to get knocked out, and had no faith in his chin to exchange bombs with Canelo.
No War, Just Delusion
“When you’re fighting someone like Canelo, even if you go out on your shield, you’ve given it your all,” continued Sheeraz. “He [Berlanga] reckons he stood there and had a war with him, but the evidence is there. There was no war happening there. He caught Canelo with a few good shots. When it comes to him and Canelo, he’s definitely delusional about that.”
Despite having the size, youth, and power advantage, Berlanga didn’t choose to fight aggressively. It could have been a different story if he’d ruthlessly fought Canelo.
“He knocks Edgar Berlanga out,” said Hamzah when asked how he can take advantage of the opportunity on July 12th.
Last Updated on 05/17/2025
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