The boxing world recently bore witness to a familiar, yet entirely unexpected, sight: the return of Gabe Rosado. At 39, the seasoned Philadelphia fighter, known for his relentless style and willingness to face anyone, stepped back into the ring after a brief hiatus that many, including perhaps Rosado himself, believed was a permanent retirement. His comeback was not merely a return; it was a definitive statement, culminating in a swift first-round knockout victory over Crispulo Javier Andino in Long Beach, California.
The Swift Reassertion of Dominance
Rosado`s performance against Andino was a masterclass in efficiency. Operating in what appeared to be merely “first gear,” he quickly dismantled his opponent, securing his 27th career win with a dominant knockout. This powerful re-entry to the light-heavyweight division served as a stark reminder that the competitive fire, even at 39, still burns brightly within the veteran.
His prior, and seemingly final, bout in April 2023 saw him on the losing end of a decision against Bektemir Melikuziev—a rematch that followed Rosado`s shocking one-punch knockout of Melikuziev in their initial encounter. After that second meeting, Rosado announced his retirement, transitioning to a role as a ringside analyst and commentator for DAZN. It was a position that, ironically, fueled the very “itch” he sought to scratch. As Rosado himself articulated, “When you commentate on fights you get that itch to get back in the ring. I feel like I’ve got unfinished business.” This desire, coupled with a reunion with his original trainer, Billy Briscoe, signaled a “new beginning” for the battle-tested fighter.
The Unambiguous Call-Out: Berlanga in Puerto Rico
No sooner had the referee waved off the contest than Rosado turned his attention to his next target: Edgar Berlanga. The call-out was direct, unvarnished, and infused with a touch of calculated audacity. “We want [Edgar] Berlanga in Puerto Rico,” declared Rosado, emphasizing the shared Puerto Rican heritage and leveraging Berlanga`s recent experience. “He got a piece of humble pie so he gotta come back strong… Berlanga can’t talk shit no more. We can run this in Puerto Rico, let’s go. And I’m the one who really has the island behind me.”
Berlanga`s “humble pie,” as Rosado so succinctly put it, came courtesy of Hamzah Sheeraz, who inflicted Berlanga`s first professional defeat via a fifth-round knockout on July 12. Rosado`s timing, therefore, appears impeccable. He’s not challenging a fighter on an ascending wave of invincibility, but one who has just experienced the sobering reality of defeat. This tactical challenge suggests a deep understanding of the current boxing landscape and a keen eye for compelling narratives.
Implications of a Potential Island Showdown
The prospect of Rosado versus Berlanga in Puerto Rico carries significant intrigue. It pits a venerable veteran, fresh from a dominant return, against a once-unbeaten prospect now looking to rebound. For Rosado, it represents a chance to cement his legacy further, perhaps even capturing a major scalp in what could be a twilight chapter of his career. For Berlanga, it`s an opportunity for redemption against a well-respected, fan-favorite name, rather than a less glamorous “bounce-back” opponent.
While the wheels of professional boxing match-making often grind slowly, Rosado`s bold challenge has certainly ignited interest. His comeback isn`t just about personal gratification; it`s about pursuing “unfinished business” and, perhaps, orchestrating one last memorable chapter in a career defined by grit and the pursuit of formidable challenges. The boxing world waits to see if this audacious call for a Puerto Rican showdown will materialize, bringing two Boricuas together in a potentially explosive clash for island pride.
