Tag Archives: Edgar berlanga

Posted on 12/15/2020

By: Henry Deleon

Puerto Rico, a small Caribbean island, has produced many Boxing Superstars. From the legendary Carlos Ortiz to the youngest world champion in boxing history – Wilfred Benitez. Amongst that distinguished list were also the likes of Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, the heavy-handed Felix Trinidad, “Macho Man” Hector Camacho and future hall of famer Miguel Cotto. Puerto Rico, for the most part, has always had that one individual that the Puerto Ricans have always taken pride in.

Since Miguel Cotto departed the sport back in 2017, there hasn’t quite been someone that has been able to fill that “superstar” void. There have been many potential candidates including Danny Garcia, Felix Verdejo, Jose Pedraza, and Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz to now rising talent such as Xander Zayas, and Josue Vargas. But no-one’s name has made an impression more than Edgar Berlanga.

Though born in Brooklyn, New York, Berlanga is of Puerto Rican descent and whenever he is asked about his heritage, he takes full pride in it.

Edgar Berlanga is climbing the ladder in the super middleweight division, making a statement each and every time he competes. He currently holds a perfect record of 16-0. He has shown the world that he has tremendous power by stopping all 16 of his opponents within the 1st round. It’s scary to think that at just the age of 23, Berlanga holds a knockout ratio of 100%, rightfully earning himself the nickname “The Monster.”

We still have yet to witness what other abilities “The Monster” holds; but the world has been able to witness the shocking power Berlanga possesses. Despite the pandemic, Berlanga has had three performances this year and four performances back in 2019, demonstrating that he is willing to actively prove that he is Puerto Rican’s finest. Some boxing fans say they would love to see him showcase more of his skillset with a step up in opposition.

It will be exciting to see how he begins to mix up with the other big names in his division. With the likes of David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, Daniel Jacobs, David Lemuix, Billy Joe Saunders, Canelo Alvarez and many others, it’s fascinating to see what the future holds for the young prospect. One thing that’s for certain, he is proven to be quite the knockout artist.

Puerto Rico currently doesn’t have that Superstar level fighter but with a lot of potential Puerto Rican talent out there, Berlanga has definitely made a name for himself. What do you all think, can Edgar Berlanga fill that void? Can he become to Puerto Rico what Saul Canelo Alvarez is to Mexico? What Anthony Joshua is to the United Kingdom? Who would you all like to see him against in 2021?

Posted on 12/12/2020

It doesn’t make any sense to leave your seat when super middleweight prospect Edgar Berlanga (16-0, 16 KOs) is in the ring. His opponent on the night in Ulises Sierra (15-2-2, 9 KOs) was simply another victim.

With none of his opponents making it past the first round, Sierra tried valiantly to be the first. However, after getting dropped to the canvas on three separate occasions, their contest was abruptly ended.

Posted on 12/09/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Before any boxing match officially begins, a bell rings. It signifies the beginning of any showdown. Like most events, fans that have already gotten comfortable in their seats spend the next few seconds getting settled in. Whether that means using the bathroom one last time or answering one last text, varies from person to person. Missing the first few seconds of action is inconsequential for the most part.

Yet, in the case of super middleweight prospect Edgar Berlanga, those precious seconds is all that he typically needs once he enters the ring.

For the 23-year-old Bronx, New York product, life as a professional boxer has been harmful to the health of his opponents. Through 15 fights, not only is he undefeated with all 15 of those wins coming via stoppage, but he’s also managed to end his nights without seeing the second round.

When promoting his fights, his knockout power has been his selling point. But while he never seems surprised when body after body drops to the canvas, the moment the lights go out and he has time to reflect, all he can do is shake his head and look up towards the Heavens.

“Man It’s crazy,” said Berlanga to Fight Hype when asked if he can believe his 15 straight first-round knockouts. “Some days I’m in the gym or I’m just thinking and I’m like shit, first round? That’s hard, that’s not easy. If it was easy then everyone would be doing it. I’m just blessed from the man above, my lord and savior Jesus Christ. He blessed me with a punch and I’m just riding with it man.”

The road to success for a blue-chip prospect is usually charted out the same. Start him out slow, allow him to face a few no-hopers to build his confidence and allow him to grow. For Berlanga though, he hasn’t exactly faced the normal soft touches that are associated with a young prospect’s career.

After facing fighters making their pro debuts in three of his first four contests, Berlanga’s level of opposition has promptly increased. In just the seventh fight of his career, Berlanga faced journeymen Jaime Barboza. In no way has he ever been considered a championship caliber fighter but he has pushed several prospects such as former super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez throughout the course of a ten-round fight.

For Berlanga though, a shade over two minutes was all that he needed to put his lights out. It’s matchups against the likes of Barboza, along with his December 12th co-main event opponent in Ulises Sierra, a man who has never been dropped, let alone stopped in his pro career, that gives Berlanga the confidence to pontificate about his work in the ring.

“If you look at the guys that I fought they fought tough guys and went the distance with world champions and the people that we’re in the top ten. Numbers don’t lie. Dudes that they throw in there with me that have never been knocked out and I just blow them out of the box.”

The power that he’s put on display may place him as a consistent guest on ESPN’s top ten list, but it isn’t exactly what he’s concerned about. At some point in time, Berlanga will hit an opponent and not only will they refuse to fall but they will also fight back.

That however, isn’t something that he’s dreading. Nor is he wondering how he will react in that situation. For the 23-year-old, he believes that the power that he holds is just the tip of the iceberg.

“I can box man. I have beautiful boxing skills and beautiful IQ skills. The world is waiting to see and they’re going to see.”

If you were to ask Berlanga at this very moment if he believes he is ready for a world title, he will admittedly tell you he isn’t there just yet. But in terms of if he believes he should be considered prospect of the year, all he could do is smile as he gave his answer.

“Abso fucking lutely.”

Posted on 10/17/2020

Edgar Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs) is a scary, scary young man. The super middleweight prospect scored the 15th straight first round knockout of his career. The unfortunate soul that matched up with this time around was journeymen Lanell Bellows (20-6-3, 13 KOs).

After the first hard shot landed, it was all over as Bellows was immediately cut and hurt. He was then battered around the ring until the referee stepped in to put a stop to the onslaught.

Posted on 07/21/2020

If you blinked during the co main event of Edgar Berlanga (14-0, 14 KOs) vs Eric Moon (11-3, 6 KOs), then there’s a good chance you missed the entire contest.

Berlanga needed just a few seconds to get rid of his man. He pushed Moon back into the corner and poured on the power shots. It didn’t take long for Moon to fall, and when he did, it was painful.

Once he hit the canvas, the contest was called off shortly after.

Posted on 07/14/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Former WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez was well on his way to an all Mexican showdown against WBC super featherweight belt holder Miguel Berchelt. 

Those plans however, went by the wayside the moment COVID-19 came knocking. The two are still on course to meet later on this year, but Valdez will first be given the opportunity to shake off the rust associated with a nine month layoff. 

Super featherweight contender Jayson Velez will welcome Valdez to the ring for the first time in 2020. The two are scheduled to headline a Top Rank card at the MGM Grand Conference Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 21st. 

For Velez, the spotlight has seldom, if ever, shined on his career. When he was given big time opportunities, he fumbled them away with mediocre performances. In a 2018 matchup against Ryan Garcia, Velez was blown out of the water as he lost a one sided unanimous decision. He did manage to bounce right back winning his next three straight, all before the final bell rang. But he once again found himself on the wrong end of the judges decision in his most recent ring outing against Jaime Arboleda. 

In order to stop the bleeding that comes along with back to back losses, he’ll have to bite down on his mouth piece and stand up to the punching power of Valdez. But Velez won’t be the only one on the card who will have to withstand some heavy shots coming from the other side of the ring. 

Middleweight prospect Edgar Berlanga will be looking to use his opponents last name as an indication as to where he wants to send him once he connects with a right hand in the co main event as he takes on Eric Moon. 

Berlanga has not only won every single one of his fights inside the distance, but he has yet to see the beginning of the second round. He’ll look to make it 14 first round finishes in a row on July 21st. 

The knockout streak might be impressive, but for the undefeated prospect, he isn’t letting it get to his head.

“I’ve not really changed much about training because of the knockout streak,” said Berlanga via a Top Rank press release. “Training is all about improving as a boxer. I had a good amateur career, and that comes from being a good technical boxer. My focus in training has been to continue to improve my skills under my trainer, Andre Rozier, and Team Havoc.”

The action packed card begins at 8 PM ET on ESPN on July 27th.