After Canelo’s loss, Gervonta Davis lashes out at Edgar Berlanga for “celebrating failure.”
The unbeaten lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis didn’t hold back when he mocked Edgar Berlanga for what he considered to be a ludicrous celebration after Berlanga’s shattering loss to Canelo Alvarez. Though Berlanga, who had never lost before, was soundly defeated by Canelo on September 14th in a unanimous decision, he celebrated by travelling back to Puerto Rico, a decision that many, including Tank Davis, found puzzling.
It is incomprehensible for Davis—who has an amazing 30-0 record with 28 knockouts—to watch Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) celebrate a convincing defeat. Davis said on X, the platform that was formerly known as Twitter, “Celebrating failure…lol congrats on getting ya ass beat,” adding even more mockery to Berlanga’s actions following the fight.
The Loss That Seemed to Go Unnoticed
Berlanga did not have a very good performance against Canelo. Even though the judges gave him a couple free rounds out of mercy, it seemed like he lost almost every round. Berlanga was forced to fight in survival mode from the opening round onwards, unable to exert pressure or exert any real influence on the well-seasoned Canelo, who easily controlled the bout. By the time the last bell rang in the 12th round, it was obvious that Berlanga had put up a poor showing, especially in the closing moments when he opted to back down instead of attack when he was well behind on the scorecards.
Berlanga appears to be adamant that his effort was worthwhile despite this. His reception as a hero by Puerto Rican fans would have been more fitting had he fought like one. Rather, the welcome seemed more like a last-ditch effort to find a cause to support, and Berlanga, with his gaudy gold chains and gritty manner, seemed to fit the bill for supporters hoping to find their next boxing hero. However, Berlanga’s performance did not merit such praise from an expert eye.
Not Puerto Rico’s Next Great Legend
Berlanga’s persona has evoked comparisons to former Puerto Rican icons such as Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto; nonetheless, it appears that these comparisons are untimely, if not completely inaccurate. Some unpleasant facts were made clear by his performance against Canelo: Berlanga is not a world-class talent and lacks the passion of a warrior. Renowned for his merciless effectiveness in the ring, Gervonta Davis was able to see through the façade. Despite Berlanga’s charm, charm is ineffective in combat.
The boxing world, which is aware of how difficult it is to achieve greatness, can relate to Tank’s statements. “Celebrating failure” is not a championship mindset, and Davis’s jab exposes a side of Berlanga that he probably would rather keep under wraps.
After this, where does Berlanga go?
It is now uncertain if Berlanga will stay in the super middleweight division. Weighing in at 168 pounds, he battled weight concerns in addition to Canelo. Rehydrated after the fight, Berlanga reportedly weighed 193 pounds, which was impressive for a 168-pound fighter. Is Berlanga even in the correct division, one wonders?
Tank Davis and other prominent figures in the boxing community have recommended that Berlanga advance to light heavyweight. He wouldn’t have the size advantage he did at 168 there, where there would be intense competition. Berlanga would have an even more difficult ascent because fighters in the light heavyweight class are more cunning and have stronger punches. It appears hopeful at best that he is pursuing a fight with Jaime Munguia, which he thinks might be sold as a pay-per-view match between Puerto Rico and Mexico. Munguia, who is renowned for his constant pressure and ability to knock people out, would probably cause Berlanga even more problems.
The Brutal Truth
Even with his post-fight celebration and bluster, Berlanga’s performance against Canelo has raised serious questions about whether he will be a contender in the future. The crux of Tank Davis’ criticism is what many in the sport are thinking: glorifying mediocrity makes excuses, not victors. Berlanga needs to work hard, be humble, and truly reevaluate his professional trajectory if he is to be taken seriously going ahead.
