The timing drew attention because it came days after Berlanga publicly celebrated signing with Dana White’s new boxing venture. Since then, many fans on X have mocked the announcement, with critics questioning why Berlanga was speaking like a star attraction after suffering a stoppage loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in his last major outing.
Berlanga has embraced the partnership from the start. In recent interviews, he praised White and the promotional model around Zuffa, saying the company understands how to build fighters into stars. He also spoke about wanting major main events in New York and presenting himself as one of the city’s boxing attractions.
That confidence has not been universally accepted online. A common reaction from critics has been that Berlanga is receiving superstar treatment before earning it back in the ring. Others have argued the move gives him a fresh platform, but not a clean slate competitively.
Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) remains one of the more recognizable names at super middleweight because of his personality, fan base, and ability to generate reaction. That also means every statement lands harder than it would for most fighters.
The signing created attention. His next performance will decide whether the noise turns into belief.
