In the case of Edgar Berlanga, beginning his career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts raised expectations that were always going to be challenging to meet, on a three-fight decision win streak that has taken some of the shine off Berlanga's hype.
Berlanga's knockout streak (19-0, 16 KOs) tied the all-time boxing record and created the expectation that he would be a ruthless finisher who would continue to make quick work of any opponents until he reached the world title level.
That streak was snapped against Demond Nicholson in a fight Berlanga dominated, but Nicholson proved too tough to walk away. Then Marcelo Caceres and Steve Rolls managed to take Berlanga the distance, and everything about Berlanga's abilities seemed to be in doubt.
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Berlanga's most significant problems are his footwork and lack of a solid jab. Those two qualities are critical for power hitters to establish their essential shots as they rise through the ranks. That inability to cut the ring or control the distance allowed Caceres and Rolls to push Berlanga into competitive fights, with Caceres even putting Berlanga on deck.
Angulo (27-2, 23 KO) will not be an easy touch for Berlanga. He can hit well and is experienced against high-level opponents. Sure, he was eliminated by David Benavidez and Zurdo Ramirez, but those were world championship fights, a level that Berlanga has yet to prove capable of reaching.
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