The boxing world witnessed a familiar, fiery return as veteran pugilist Gabe Rosado made a decisive comeback, stopping his opponent in the first round. Not one to linger in the spotlight of a modest victory, the 39-year-old swiftly set his sights on a more ambitious target: fellow Puerto Rican contender Edgar Berlanga, calling for a high-stakes clash on the island.
A Resurgent Return: From Retirement to Knockout
Gabe Rosado`s latest performance against Crispulo Javier Andino in Long Beach, California, was nothing short of emphatic. Competing in an eight-round light-heavyweight bout, Rosado wasted no time, securing a first-round knockout. This dominant display marked his 27th career win and provided a stark contrast to his brief hiatus from the sport.
Just over a year prior, in April 2023, Rosado had announced his retirement following a points loss to Bektemir Melikuziev. That defeat was a rematch of their electrifying June 2021 encounter, where Rosado had famously delivered a one-punch knockout upset. His brief retirement saw him transition to a role as a ringside analyst and commentator for DAZN, a position that, ironically, appears to have reignited his competitive flame rather than extinguishing it.
“When you commentate on fights you get that itch to get back in the ring,” Rosado stated, articulating the magnetic pull of the canvas. Against Andino, he appeared sharp, composed, and decidedly out of his opponent`s league, suggesting that the “itch” had been properly scratched with renewed vigor.
The Bold Challenge: Berlanga and the Call for Puerto Rico
Post-fight, Rosado wasted no time issuing a direct and somewhat pointed challenge to Edgar Berlanga, a former super-middleweight contender who recently experienced his first professional defeat. “We want Berlanga in Puerto Rico,” Rosado declared, adding a dose of candid assessment: “He got a piece of humble pie so he gotta come back strong.”
The “humble pie” Rosado referred to was Berlanga`s fifth-round knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz on July 12. Rosado’s immediate call-out, emphasizing their shared Puerto Rican heritage (“we Boricua’s”), serves as a shrewd maneuver to build anticipation for a fight with significant cultural resonance. His assertion, “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,” underscores a desire for not just a fight, but a defining moment for Puerto Rican boxing.
Unfinished Business: A New Chapter for the Veteran
Rosado`s decision to return to the squared circle stems from a deep-seated feeling of “unfinished business.” Having reunited with his original trainer, Billy Briscoe, he views this comeback not merely as a whim but as a purposeful new chapter in his storied career. At 39, many might question the wisdom of re-entering such a punishing sport, particularly after a retirement announcement. Yet, Rosado’s conviction appears unshaken.
His return highlights a common thread among seasoned fighters: the struggle to truly walk away from the arena where they`ve forged their identity. For Rosado, the commentary booth, while offering a different perspective, ultimately became a window rather than a definitive exit door. The “itch” became an undeniable roar, pulling him back to the very place he once declared he was leaving.
Whether a showdown with Edgar Berlanga materializes in Puerto Rico remains to be seen. The boxing landscape is often unpredictable, but Rosado’s swift, dominant return and immediate, pointed challenge have certainly injected a fresh dose of intrigue into the light-heavyweight division. It seems Gabe Rosado`s story is far from over; in fact, it might just be beginning its most compelling chapter yet.
Tristan Blackwood