In a bold and emotionally charged plea, Edgar Berlanga has taken to social media to publicly challenge Jake Paul, urging him to ‘send the contract’ and make their fight a reality. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Berlanga’s desperation a sign of opportunity or a last-ditch effort to revive a fading career? Let’s dive in.
The 28-year-old super middleweight contender (23-2, 18 KOs) has thrown his name into the ring as a potential replacement for Jake Paul’s upcoming fight in December. Berlanga, a Brooklyn native with deep ties to Puerto Rico, sees this as a golden opportunity to secure a career-defining payday—reportedly a staggering $40 million, the same amount Gervonta Davis was set to earn before his exhibition match with Paul was canceled due to legal issues. And this is the part most people miss: for Berlanga, this isn’t just about the money; it’s about reclaiming his place in the spotlight after a string of setbacks.
On social media platform X, Berlanga’s message was clear and direct: ‘Hey, Jake. Pick up the phone, Jake. I’ve been calling you. Let’s make the fight happen. Pick up the phone. Stop playing.’ His urgency is palpable, but the question remains: will Jake Paul take the bait? Here’s the controversial take: while Berlanga’s passion is undeniable, his recent track record might make Paul think twice.
Jake Paul, the cruiserweight sensation (12-1, 7 KOs), is no stranger to high-profile matchups, but Berlanga’s case is complicated. First, Berlanga’s recent performances have been less than stellar. He suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in July 2025, after being dropped twice in the fourth round. Before that, he faced a one-sided unanimous decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez in September 2024. Is Berlanga still a worthy opponent, or is he past his prime?
Adding to the complexity, Berlanga’s popularity has waned, and he’s already in negotiations for another fight—a challenge against WBA interim super middleweight champion Jose Armando Resendiz in early 2026. With these factors in play, it’s unlikely Paul will choose Berlanga as his next opponent. But Berlanga’s plea raises a thought-provoking question: In the world of boxing, does desperation ever lead to greatness, or is it a recipe for disaster?
What do you think? Should Jake Paul give Berlanga a chance, or is this a fight that’s doomed from the start? Let us know in the comments below. And remember, in the ring of public opinion, every voice counts.
