The Chosen One’s Roar: Edgar Berlanga Jr.’s Explosive Knockout, Caleb Plant’s Provocative Response, and the Super Middleweight Division’s Brewing Storm

The roar of the crowd, the flash of the lights, and the thunderous impact of a perfectly placed punch – these are the elements that define the electrifying world of boxing. And on the night of March 15, 2025, Edgar Berlanga Jr. delivered a spectacle that embodied the very essence of this captivating sport. With a single, devastating blow, he silenced his opponent, Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, and ignited a firestorm of discussion that reverberated throughout the super middleweight division. But the night’s drama didn’t end with the knockout; it escalated into a verbal sparring match with Caleb Plant, a clash of personalities and fighting styles that promises to reshape the landscape of the division.  

Berlanga Jr., known as “The Chosen One,” entered the ring with a reputation built on explosive power and a penchant for early finishes. His record, punctuated by a string of spectacular knockouts, had earned him a loyal following and a reputation as a rising force in the super middleweight ranks. However, his path to the top had been met with scrutiny, with critics questioning the level of opposition he had faced. The fight against Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, while a showcase of Berlanga Jr.’s devastating power, did little to quell these concerns.

The co-main event, preceding the anticipated clash between Austin Williams and Patrice Volny, was viewed by many as a mismatch. Gonzalez-Ortiz, a fighter with a respectable record but lacking the pedigree of a top contender, was seen as a stepping stone for Berlanga Jr. The question lingered: when would Berlanga Jr. face a true test, a fighter who could push him to his limits and reveal the true extent of his abilities?

From the opening bell, Berlanga Jr. displayed a sense of urgency, a determination to end the fight quickly and emphatically. He stalked Gonzalez-Ortiz, his eyes locked on his target, his movements precise and purposeful. A flurry of punches, each carrying the weight of a sledgehammer, overwhelmed Gonzalez-Ortiz, leaving him reeling and vulnerable. And then, the decisive blow landed – a perfectly timed, thunderous punch that sent Gonzalez-Ortiz crashing to the canvas. The referee, recognizing the severity of the knockout, immediately waved off the fight, declaring Berlanga Jr. the victor.

The arena erupted in a cacophony of cheers and applause. Berlanga Jr., his face flushed with adrenaline, raised his arms in triumph, basking in the adulation of the crowd. But his celebration was short-lived. He had a message to deliver, a challenge to issue, a statement to make.

Grabbing the microphone, Berlanga Jr. turned his attention to Caleb Plant, a former IBF super middleweight champion known for his slick boxing skills and sharp tongue. “Caleb Plant, where you at?” he declared, his voice ringing out through the arena. “I’m coming for you. Let’s make this fight happen.”  

The call-out, delivered with characteristic bravado, was a bold move, a declaration of intent that immediately captured the attention of the boxing world. Plant, a fighter who thrives on verbal sparring and enjoys engaging with his rivals, was quick to respond.

Plant’s response, delivered through his social media platforms, was a masterclass in verbal jousting. He acknowledged Berlanga Jr.’s challenge but questioned his credentials, pointing to the perceived lack of quality opposition he had faced. He also made it clear that he felt Berlanga Jr. needed to earn his place in a fight of that magnitude.

The exchange between Berlanga Jr. and Plant ignited a firestorm of online discussion, with fans and pundits weighing in on the potential matchup. The stylistic contrast between the two fighters made for a compelling narrative. Berlanga Jr.’s explosive power and aggressive style presented a stark contrast to Plant’s slick boxing skills and counter-punching prowess.

A potential clash between Berlanga Jr. and Plant would not only be a highly entertaining spectacle but also carry significant implications for the super middleweight division. Both fighters are vying for a shot at the division’s top prizes, and a victory over a high-profile opponent like Plant would significantly bolster Berlanga Jr.’s claim to a title opportunity.

The question now becomes whether the two fighters’ respective camps can reach an agreement and bring this highly anticipated matchup to fruition. The boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these negotiations, hoping to witness a clash that promises fireworks and high stakes.

Berlanga Jr.’s journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. His early career was defined by a string of spectacular knockouts, which earned him the moniker “The Chosen One.” However, as he progressed through the ranks, he faced increasing scrutiny regarding the level of his opposition. Critics argued that he had yet to face a true test, a fighter who could push him to his limits and reveal the true extent of his abilities.

The fight against Gonzalez-Ortiz, while a showcase of his devastating power, did little to quell these concerns. However, it did serve as a reminder of Berlanga Jr.’s ability to finish fights early and emphatically. This quality, combined with his charismatic personality and willingness to engage with his rivals, makes him a compelling figure in the super middleweight division.

Plant, on the other hand, has established himself as one of the division’s top contenders. His victory over Caleb Truax to capture the IBF super middleweight title solidified his status as a world-class fighter. His subsequent loss to Canelo Alvarez, while disappointing, did little to diminish his reputation.  

Plant’s slick boxing skills, combined with his sharp wit and willingness to engage in verbal sparring, make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. His ability to control the pace of a fight and counter-punch with precision makes him a dangerous opponent for Berlanga Jr., whose aggressive style could leave him vulnerable to Plant’s counterattacks.

The potential clash between Berlanga Jr. and Plant represents a fascinating stylistic matchup. Berlanga Jr.’s explosive power and aggressive style would test Plant’s defensive skills and ability to counter-punch. Conversely, Plant’s slick boxing skills and counter-punching prowess would test Berlanga Jr.’s ability to cut off the ring and land his power punches.

The outcome of this potential fight would have significant implications for the super middleweight division. A victory for Berlanga Jr. would solidify his status as a legitimate contender and propel him closer to a title shot. A victory for Plant would reaffirm his status as one of the division’s top fighters and keep him in the hunt for another world title opportunity.

The boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these negotiations, hoping to witness a clash that promises fireworks and high stakes. The rivalry between Berlanga Jr. and Plant, fueled by their contrasting personalities and fighting styles, has the potential to become one of the most compelling narratives in the super middleweight division.

The knockout of Gonzalez-Ortiz, coupled with the call out of Plant, has created a tremendous amount of buzz for Berlanga Jr. This is very important for his career. Building excitement and anticipation for future fights is a key part of becoming a star in the boxing world. Berlanga Jr. appears to understand this, and is actively working to increase his profile.