The Money Behind Berlanga vs Sheeraz (And Why Nobody's Talking About the Real Numbers)

By Lewis Barnett 12 July, 2025 6 mins read 248 Views

Look, I've been covering boxing for years, and there's one thing that always gets me: the smoke and mirrors around fighter purses.

Everyone wants to know what Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz are actually making for their Saturday night showdown. The problem? Half the numbers floating around are complete fiction, and the other half are... well, let's just say they're "creative accounting."

Here's what I actually know after digging through sources, calling managers (who mostly hung up on me), and cross-referencing with what these guys made before.

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The Berlanga Payday That Doesn't Add Up

Reports are claiming Berlanga pulled in around £7.3 million ($10 million) for his Canelo fight last year. That number gets thrown around like gospel now.

But here's the thing that bugs me: this same guy was making $800k against Padraig McCrory and roughly $700k for the Angulo fight. You don't just jump from mid-six figures to eight figures without some serious PPV magic happening.

Dan Rafael - who knows more about boxing purses than my accountant knows about tax loopholes - suggested Berlanga's manager Keith Connolly secured an eight-figure deal. Maybe. But I'm betting that includes everything: base purse, PPV points, sponsorships, and probably his gym membership fees.

For Saturday's fight against Sheeraz, Berlanga's likely looking at something in the $2-3 million range. Still life-changing money, but not "buy a small island" money.

What About the Brit?

Poor Hamzah Sheeraz. The guy's 26, undefeated, and coming off that controversial draw with Carlos Adames where half the boxing world thought he got robbed.

His payday? Probably somewhere between $800k-$1.5 million. Not bad for a Saturday night's work, but definitely the B-side money in this equation.

The frustrating part is that Sheeraz has been building his name the hard way - no shortcuts, no manufactured hype. Just solid wins and that British boxing work ethic that makes American promoters nervous.

The Rematch Clause Mystery

Nobody's talking about rematch clauses, which tells me there probably isn't one.

Why? Because both camps know the winner is getting fast-tracked to a world title shot. You don't tie yourself up with rematch obligations when there's real championship money on the table.

Smart business, honestly. Though it does mean if we get a controversial decision, we might be waiting years for the sequel.

Saturday Night at Louis Armstrong Stadium

The whole circus goes down this Saturday, July 12th, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. Ring walks start around 2:55am BST (9:55pm ET) - which means I'll be watching with terrible coffee and questioning my life choices.

Coverage kicks off at 11pm BST if you're in the UK, 6pm ET for the Americans. Fair warning: these timings always shift depending on how long the undercard fights drag on.

Speaking of the undercard - Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda is the co-main, and honestly? That might steal the show. Plus Alberto Puello defending his WBC super lightweight title against Subriel Matias.

It's a solid card top to bottom.

The Real Numbers Game

Here's what nobody wants to admit: the exact purse figures won't be released until months after the fight, if ever. State athletic commissions sometimes publish them, but even then, they're often just the base purse without PPV cuts or bonuses.

My educated guess? Berlanga walks away with $2.5 million all-in. Sheeraz gets around $1.2 million. Both numbers could be completely wrong, but they feel right based on comparable fights and market value.

The winner gets something more valuable than money though - a clear path to a world title shot. And that's where the real payday lives.

Sometimes the fight after the fight is worth more than the fight itself, you know?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a boxer maintain weight and weight class?

Boxers keep their weight under control by following a rigid diet and a specific training program. Nutritionists help them develop a plan to reach their target weight without compromising nutrition or energy. The importance of regular weight check-ins and regular exercise is crucial, especially in the run up to a fight. Weight management is an important strategic process. If done incorrectly it can lead to poor performance or health issues.

What type of diet is best for a beginner boxer?

A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats for overall health. It is also important to consume vitamins and minerals as well. A sports nutritionist will be able to provide a customized diet plan tailored to the boxer’s training regime and weight class goals.

What qualities should a person look for in a trainer or coach of boxing?

A boxing coach should have experience in the sport, be able to work with other boxers successfully, have a compatible coaching style, as well as a solid understanding of its technical and strategic components. A good boxing trainer will also focus on safety, personal growth, and conditioning. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.

What role do managers, promoters and agents play in a pro boxer’s career?

Promoters and managers play an important role in a boxer’s professional career. Managers guide the career of the boxer, negotiate contracts and handle the business affairs for the boxer. They are also responsible for selecting the appropriate fights and protecting the boxer's interest. Promoters are more focused on marketing, event organization and attracting sponsorship attention. They also focus on enhancing a boxer’s profile.

What age can you learn to box professionally?

There are age restrictions in professional boxing. Most boxing federations require that boxers are at least 18 to fight professionally. On the upper end, while there is no specific age limit, physical capabilities and health factors will naturally limit the age at which one can compete effectively and safely. It is important that older athletes are thoroughly evaluated for risk and fitness before they take up a professional sport.

Can anyone learn to box?

Although boxing can be enjoyed by many, not all will have the skills to compete at professional levels. Professional boxing is an art that requires a combination of talent with physical ability and mental toughness. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A thorough assessment by a coach can determine if a person has the potential to make a career out of boxing.

What equipment is necessary for a new professional boxer?

Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. It is essential to use equipment that provides protection and durability. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of injury.

Statistics

Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.

External Links

How To

How to Learn from and Analyze Professional Boxers

Understanding the sport better by learning from professionals can be a huge help. Watch bouts critically to study their techniques, tactics, and movements. Pay attention to how they control the pace, their defensive skills, and how they adapt to different opponents. Analyze their footwork and combinations to see what works and why. Observe how they react under pressure, and their mental strength in the face of adversity. You can also read their interviews to learn more about their training methods and philosophies. This knowledge can then be integrated into your own training and mindset.