Edgar Berlanga vs. Alexis Angulo | ESPN - June 11, 2022

[Ruthless-RKO]

Edgar Berlanga vs. Alexis Angulo In ESPN Main Event 6/11 At MSG’s Hulu Theater

Edgar Berlanga will face someone on a level comparable to his previous opponent in his next fight.

Boxing Scene has learned that Brooklyn’s Berlanga and Colombia’s Alexis Angulo have agreed to meet in a 10-round super middleweight match June 11 at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York. ESPN will televise their fight as the main event of a tripleheader the night before the annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade in Manhattan.

Berlanga (19-0, 16 KOs) defeated Toronto’s Steve Rolls (21-2, 12 KOs) in his last bout, another 10-rounder ESPN aired as a main event March 19. That card headlined by Berlanga, who won each of his first 16 professional bouts by first-round knockout, drew a capacity crowd of 5,158 to Hulu Theater.

The 24-year-old Berlanga has become a popular boxer both at the box office and on social media. He didn’t show the type of progress versus Rolls, however, for his handlers to match him against an opponent that would be considered a significant step up in class.

Berlanga beat Rolls by unanimous decision.

He won seven rounds apiece on the scorecards of judges Tom Carusone (97-93) and Mark Consentino (97-93). Judge Frank Lombardi (96-94) scored six rounds for Berlanga.

Berlanga’s victory over Rolls marked his return from surgery in October to repair a torn left biceps. He sustained that injury during his prior appearance – a 10-round, unanimous-decision defeat of Argentina’s Marcelo Coceres on October 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Coceres (30-3-1, 16 KOs) recorded a flash knockdown against Berlanga in the ninth round, but Berlanga fought through a serious injury and won seven rounds on all three cards that night (96-93, 96-93, 96-93).

Angulo (27-2, 23 KOs) has lost only to undefeated former super middleweight champions David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez. The 38-year-old Angulo also is considered a harder puncher than Rolls, another 38-year-old veteran whose two defeats came against middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin and Berlanga.

Benavidez beat Angulo by technical knockout after 10 one-sided rounds in August 2020. Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs) was stripped of his WBC 168-pound title the day before he beat Angulo because Benavidez came in 2¾ pounds overweight.

Four bouts before Benavidez beat him, Ramirez easily out-pointed Angulo in their 12-round fight for Ramirez’s WBO super middleweight title. Mexico’s Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) won that fight, which ESPN aired, by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 119-109 in June 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

Between his losses to Ramirez and Benavidez, Angulo upset previously unbeaten American Anthony Sims Jr. (then 20-0, 18 KOs) by split decision in a 10-rounder that took place in January 2020 at Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami.

[margaret thatcher]

after the rolls fight, an opponent like this makes sense. needs more work before moving up in levels. its good they are getting him active still

[gregregegg]

hopefully Angulo is still tough, IF berlanga stops Alexis i dont wanna hear "quicker than benevidez" because 36 to 38 is one hell of a 2 years in boxing...

would of prefered Dirrel, also old, also tough but an american with a bit more name value.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Berlanga vs. Angulo, Zayas vs. Hudaynazarov Doubleheader Official

On the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, the island nation’s brightest stars are coming to throw down. Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, the flashy super middleweight knockout artist, will defend his NABO belt in the 10-round main event against two-time world title challenger Alexis Angulo.

In the eight-round junior middleweight co-feature, Xander Zayas, the fistic prodigy from San Juan, steps up in class against Uzbekistan-born veteran Ravshan Hudaynazarov.

Berlanga-Angulo and Zayas-Hudaynazarov will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

“Boxing events at Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade are always special, and we have sensational young talents in Edgar Berlanga and Xander Zayas topping the bill,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “They are each stepping up in class, and I expect them to perform in a big way in front of a raucous, sold-out arena.”

Berlanga (19-0, 16 KOs), at 24 years old, is already one of the biggest ticket-sellers in New York City. In March, a sold-out crowd of 5,158 packed the Hulu Theater for his step-up fight against Steve Rolls, which he won by unanimous decision. Berlanga burst onto the scene with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts to start his career, a ferocious run that captured the imagination of fight fans. The streak ended in April 2021, although Berlanga sent Demond Nicholson to the canvas four times in eight rounds. He survived a gut check that October, overcoming a torn biceps and a trip to the canvas to defeat Marcelo Esteban Coceres. Berlanga is currently the WBO No. 7-ranked super middleweight contender and can edge closer to a world title shot with a victory over Angulo.

Berlanga said, "I'm so pumped to be headlining my second main event at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Get ready for another sold-out crowd! This one will be special because this will be my first main event during the festivities of the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, just like my idols Felix 'Tito' Trinidad and Miguel Cotto did. I'm following in the footsteps of greatness, but also continuing the legacy of bringing my people together on a beautiful weekend.

"For this fight, we decided to do the training camp on my Island, and it has been a great decision. It has been a great training camp in Puerto Rico. At the beginning of training camp, I met with 'Tito' Trinidad, and he gave me some very encouraging and motivating advice. He is my hero! I've been working very hard and I can't wait to fight on June 11 to show what I'm made off. I will raise the Puerto Rican flag up high and represent for all my Boricuas around the world."

Angulo (27-2, 23 KOs), from Patia, Colombia, received his first crack at the brass ring when he challenged Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the WBO super middleweight title in June 2018. He lost a unanimous decision to Ramirez, bouncing back with a major upset over then-unbeaten prospect Anthony Sims Jr. in January 2020. Less than seven months after the Sims triumph, he fought David Benavidez for the IBF super middleweight crown, falling via 10th-round TKO. In his lone outing of 2021, Angulo knocked out Carlos Galvan in five rounds. He hopes to upset the apple cart once against Berlanga.

Angulo said, “I look forward to getting back in action at the legendary Madison Square Garden and putting on a great show for all boxing fans, the Colombian fans, Puerto Rican fans, and the Latino community that will show out and support. I have proven to be a skilled, experienced, gritty, and valiant fighter. I intend to bring the same into the ring on June 11 against Edgar Berlanga.”

Zayas (13-0, 9 KOs) has been on the fast track since signing with Top Rank at 16 years old. From first-round knockouts in his first two pro fights in 2019, to a spotless 6-0 run in 2021, Zayas has lived up to the billing. This will be his third consecutive fight under the Madison Square Garden lights, less than three months removed from a one-sided eight-round decision over Quincy “Chico” LaVallais. Hudaynazarov (19-5, 14 KOs) has only been stopped twice in a 14-year professional career and has won two of his last three bouts.

Zayas said, "For me, fighting at Madison Square Garden is always a great opportunity. It fills me with emotion because the fans always bring very positive and motivating energy. This coming June 11, I know it will not be the exception, as this will be my first fight on the weekend of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. I assure you that this will be the first of many. I want to continue bringing glory to Puerto Rico and Madison Square Garden, and I will continue to work hard to write my name in the history books as Cotto and Trinidad did."

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — features the following Puerto Rican standouts in separate bouts:

Henry Lebron (15-0, 10 KOs), 8 rounds, junior lightweight — Lebron, from Aguadilla, stood out on the Berlanga-Rolls card with a seventh-round TKO over the usually durable Josec Ruiz. Before turning pro, he won Puerto Rican amateur national titles in 2015 and 2016.

Carlos Caraballo (15-1, 14 KOs), 8 rounds, junior featherweight — Co-promoted by Miguel Cotto, the native of Guayanilla survived a gut check versus Luis Fernando Saavedra on March 26, edging a majority decision. Caraballo won his first 14 pro bouts by stoppage before a close unanimous decision loss to Jonas Sultan last October temporarily blunted his momentum.

Josue Vargas (20-2, 9 KOs), 8 rounds junior welterweight — Born in Isabela and raised in the Bronx, Vargas returns to the Hulu Theater, site of his first-round knockout loss to Jose Zepeda last October. Vargas regrouped to edge Argentina’s Nicolas Pablo Demario by unanimous decision in March.

Armani Almestica (5-0, 5 KOs), 6 rounds, lightweight — Born to Puerto Rican parents and raised in Orlando, Florida, Almestica broke through on the Berlanga-Rolls card with a third-round stoppage over Luis Valentin Portalatin. The all-action Almestica had a 117-7 amateur record and was on the Puerto Rican national team. He elected to turn pro after the Tokyo Olympics was postponed.

Orlando Gonzalez (17-1, 10 KOs), 8 rounds, featherweight — It is an evening of redemption for Gonzalez, who is coming off a 10-round decision loss to Robeisy Ramirez on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III undercard. The Aguadilla native spent much of his early career fighting in Puerto Rico and will make his Madison Square Garden debut June 11.

Omar Rosario (6-0, 2 KOs), 6 rounds, junior welterweight —A six-time Puerto Rican amateur national champion from Caguas, the 24-year-old fights for the first time since January’s decision win over Raekwon Butler.

Frevian Gonzalez (4-1, 1 KO), 6 rounds, junior lightweight — A stablemate of Puerto Rican two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza, the Cidra native looks to bounce back from last June’s decision defeat to Bryan Lua.

Christina Cruz (2-0), 4 rounds, flyweight – Cruz, an eight-time U.S. national amateur champion, turned pro last summer. Born to Puerto Rican parents, Cruz was raised in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Main Card

• Edgar Berlanga vs. Alexis Angulo, 10 rounds, super middleweight – Berlanga’s NABO super middleweight title
• Xander Zayas vs. Ravshan Hudaynazarov, 8 rounds, junior middleweight

Undercard

• Henry Lebron vs. TBA, 8 rounds, junior lightweight
• Carlos Caraballo vs. TBA, 8 rounds, junior featherweight
• Josue Vargas vs. TBA, 8 rounds junior welterweight
• Armani Almestica vs. TBA, 6 rounds, lightweight
• Orlando Gonzalez vs. TBA, 8 rounds, featherweight
• Omar Rosario vs. TBA, 6 rounds, junior welterweight
• Frevian Gonzalez vs. TBA, 6 rounds, junior lightweight
• Christina Cruz vs. TBA, 4 rounds, flyweight

[margaret thatcher]

puerto rican orgy

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

New York native and proud Puerto Rican Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga has long dreamt of headlining in his hometown on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend and he will get his wish in just over two weeks.

Berlanga will face off with Colombia’s Alexis Angulo on June 11 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a 10-round super middleweight contest live on ESPN. He will defend his NABO super middleweight belt in his 20th professional fight against the two-time former world title contender.

In honor of Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, which is making its return following a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Berlanga will top a full card of Puerto Rican boxers. “It means a lot. I’m thankful for the opportunity to once again be headlining in my hometown,” Berlanga said. “This is a dream come true for me to be able to do what Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad did, fighting on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. It’s a blessing and I’m happy.”

Berlanga and his team chose to hold his training camp for the June 11 fight in Puerto Rico, and he has enjoyed being on the island over the past several weeks. “I felt like it was good to do my camp here for this fight. I just wanted to show my face and let the people know that I’m here and that I really do love them and support them,” he said.

He has even gotten the chance to visit with two Puerto Rican legends during his time on the island, going for a jog with Trinidad shortly after his arrival, and visiting with Cotto during a training session at his gym in Caguas. The super middleweight prospect is extremely appreciative of their support and hopes to continue the strong legacy of Puerto Rican champions.

Representing his Puerto Rican roots has been important to Berlanga since he was a child. “It’s my blood and the roots of my family. Generations of my family run through the island. We come from a small island but so many great champions have come from here and I want to fill those shoes,” Berlanga added.

He celebrated his 25th birthday on May 18 while he was in training camp but remained focused on the task at hand.

The June 11 bout will be Berlanga’s second main event at the Hulu Theater following a victory over Steve Rolls in front of a sold-out crowd on March 19.

Berlanga-Angulo and the Xander Zayas- Ravshan Hudaynazarov co-main event will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT following undercard action on ESPN+.

EDGAR BERLANGA

HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, N.Y. BIRTHDATE: May 18, 1997
WEIGHT CLASS: Super Middleweight HEIGHT: 6-1

PROFESSIONAL RECORD: 19-0 (16 KOs) STANCE: Orthodox
NABO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION

Edgar Berlanga is best known for the 16-fight first round knockout streak that kicked off his pro career. Yet the highly touted super middleweight prospect has had a long journey in the sport since he first picked up the gloves at the age of seven. Berlanga grew up in the talent-laden New York boxing scene alongside multiple future stars of the sport.

Berlanga’s father, Edgar, Sr., introduced him to boxing shortly after he returned home from prison. He connected his son with friend and boxing coach, Benny Roman, and it wasn’t long before Berlanga’s natural talent shone through. Shortly after his first sparring session, they entered the youngster in his first Junior Olympic competition. Berlanga opened his young career with 11 straight victories and a future star was born.

Boxing wasn’t the only sport that piqued Berlanga’s interest as a youngster. He loved baseball and was killing it on the basketball court as well but ultimately his dad convinced him that the sweet science offered the most opportunities for Berlanga.

He enjoyed a strong amateur career, securing medals in several national championship events before making the decision to enter the professional ranks in April of 2016. Once Berlanga turned professional, he began to showcase power and explosiveness that he didn’t display as an amateur.

His first-round knockout streak began to catch the attention of the boxing world and he joined forces with promotional powerhouse Top Rank in his 10th professional fight. Berlanga continued his run of first-round knockouts in his Top Rank debut in front of a hometown crowd at Madison Square Garden in April of 2019. Berlanga’s fights quickly became must watch tv as fans and pundits alike watched to see which of his opponents would finally see the second round. The power punching prospect pushed the streak to 16 before was taken the distance in his 17th fight against Demond Nicholson.

He heard the final bell for the second time in his last fight against Marcelo Esteban Coceres on October 9 on the undercard of Tyson Fury – Deontay Wilder III. The outing was quite the learning experience for Berlanga who not only went 10 rounds for the first time but also suffered a bicep tear in the third round of the bout. Berlanga faced

significant adversity for the first time in his young career, but he credits the bout for several lessons. He admits that he was too focused on trying to score the knockout and didn’t utilize his boxing skills but is pleased that he was able to learn so much in a victory.

Shortly after the bout, Berlanga underwent surgery to repair his torn left bicep and has relocated his training camp to Las Vegas for his March 19 fight to complete the necessary rehab on the injury. Following the completion of his rehab, Berlanga prepared for his first main even at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in his hometown of New York. Berlanga scored his 19th professional victory in his March fight.

Berlanga admits that he was born to be an entertainer and he loves every element of performing for an audience. His charisma, flashy personality and entertaining style has made him quite the celebrity magnet. From friends Tracy Morgan and Fat Joe to superstars Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg as well as fellow athletes of every sport, Berlanga consistently draws big names to his fights. He hopes to add acting to his resume when the time is right, and no one would be surprised to see his bright smile lighting up the big screen.

A proud native of Brooklyn and the lower east side, Berlanga not only represents New York City but also his family’s native Puerto Rico. In fact, some of his earliest memories of the sweet science are watching Felix “Tito” Trinidad fight. He works hard to represent the Puerto Rican people and hopes to be the next great Puerto Rican boxing champion although he understands he has big shoes to fill.

Berlanga knows that he has a lot of eyes on him, and he’s always enjoyed being in the spotlight. It’s important to him to be a good role model for everyone looking up to him and to show young people that they can be anything that they want to be with hard work and sacrifice. He hopes to give the young kids coming behind up a blueprint for success, especially the younger boxers looking to follow in his footsteps.

Yet the biggest motivation in Berlanga’s life is his son, Chosen. He and his girlfriend Genesis Calderon welcomed their beautiful baby boy last year and it has certainly put things in perspective for Berlanga. He knows that he now has a family of his own and it’s his responsibility to provide for his son and show him the way in life just as his parents have done for him.

Berlanga credits both of his parents for teaching him so much and instilling work ethic, drive, and mental toughness in him throughout his life and he looks forward to guiding Chosen through life as his parents have done for him.

Berlanga is currently preparing for his 20th professional fight at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 11 He will take on two-time world title challenger Alexis Angulo in a 10-round super middleweight contest live on ESPN and in front of his hometown crowd.

[margaret thatcher]

his son's name is Chosen , interesting

[Ruthless-RKO]

Xander Zayas (Non-Covid Virus) Forced To Withdraw From June 11 ESPN Show In NYC

Xander Zayas will no longer appear on a boxing event that was near and dear to his heart.

A viral infection—not related to Covid-19—leaves the unbeaten Puerto Rican junior middleweight unable to proceed with a scheduled June 11 clash with Uzbekistan's Ravshan Hudaynazarov (19-5, 14KOs). The bout was to serve as the ESPN-televised co-feature from Madison Square Garden's Hulu Theater in New York City on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican Day parade, with the rest of the show to go on without the 19-year-old prospect.

“I am sorry to announce that I was forced to pull out of my fight on June 11," Zayas noted in a statement provided by Top Rank. "I have done my best to get well, however, my condition got worse over the past few days.

As much as I love this sport and wanted to put on a show at Madison Square Garden for the fans, my health comes first."

The rest of the card proceeds as planned, with fellow islander Henry 'Moncho' Lebron (15-0, 10KOs) elevated to the co-feature slot. The 24-year-old lightweight from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico will face Luis 'Popeye' Lebron (18-3-1, 11KOs)—no relation—in an eight-round, all-Boricua regional title fight scheduled for eight rounds.

Headlining the card, unbeaten super middleweight and local box office attraction Edgar Berlanga (19-0, 16KOs) faces former title challenger Alexis Angulo (27-2, 23KOs) in a scheduled 10-round main event.

Zayas (13-0, 9KOs) was especially looking forward to appearing on this card, which would have marked his first on a weekend dedicated to Puerto Rican culture. The annual Puerto Rican Day Parade is normally held in New York City on the second Tuesday of every June but was shut down in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and lingering state-mandated social distancing measures.

The last P.R. Day parade took place in June 2019. Zayas just signed with Top Rank at 16 years of age at the time and made his pro debut later that October, though always with aspirations of appearing on such a show whose boxing tradition dates back to Miguel Cotto's June 2005 appearance in the main room at MSG.

Zayas—born and raised in San Juan but who now lives in South Florida—has since emerged as one the sport's hottest young prospects. He had the pleasure of making his MSG debut last December, scoring a first-round knockout of Alessio Mastronunzio to cap a 6-0 campaign on the year.

Three months later, Zayas returned to MSG grounds where he soundly outpointed Quincy LaVallais in the ESPN-televised co-feature to Berlanga's points win over Steve Rolls this past March at Hulu Theater. Plans were immediately for the dynamic duo to appear in a similar capacity next weekend, though it will have to come another day.

"My team and I had to make the difficult decision to postpone this fight," admitted Zayas. "I want to thank everyone for all the support and love. I will be back soon.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Puerto Rican super middleweight contender Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga is switching things up. Berlanga (19-0, 16 KOs) has moved training camp from the friendly New York City confines to his family’s homeland as he seeks recapture the knockout power that saw him score 16 straight first-round knockouts to begin his career.

Berlanga is readying to fight two-time world title challenger Alexis Angulo (27-2, 23 KOs) in a 10-round main event Saturday, June 11, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Berlanga-Angulo will headline an all-Puerto Rican card — live in prime time on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ — the evening before New York City’s Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $66 are on sale now and are available at Ticketmaster.com and MSG.com.

One of Puerto Rico’s great champions, International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductee Miguel Cotto, hosted Berlanga for a media workout Wednesday at Gimnasio Miguel A. Cotto Carrasquillo.

This is what Berlanga said ahead of his stiffest challenge to date.

Edgar Berlanga

“On June 11, I will give my Island a big win on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. I am are ready to win big for all my Boricuas. This is a dream come true for me. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get in the ring in Madison Square Garden, just like Tito and Cotto used to do. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, and it will not be easy, but I’m up for the task and I’m ready to do my own thing and put on a great show for all my people.”

“This fight will be big for my career. I’m ready to show up and show out as the new face of all Puerto Rican boxing. With this fight, I will set the tone and show everyone what I’m capable of. I have to win big and I will. Get ready for some fireworks.”

“I have been working very hard. I have been working on polishing all aspects of my game. You guys will see a real monster on June 11. A monster that has a lot of power, but also a monster that knows how to box and set things up. Don’t get me wrong, he is a tough fighter and he will come to fight, but I will break him down.”

“It feels great to train in Puerto Rico. We decided to do training camp on the Island because we knew that we had a big task ahead and we needed to be fully focused. As I said, I want to win big. This has been one of the best decisions I have made. It’s great to feel the support from the fans. That actually motivates me even more. I’m so ready! I can’t wait!”

Berlanga-Angulo will headline ESPN telecast Saturday, June 11, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

New York native and proud Puerto Rican Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga has long dreamt of headlining in his hometown on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend and he will get his wish in just over two weeks.

Berlanga will face off with Colombia’s Alexis Angulo on June 11 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a 10-round super middleweight contest live on ESPN. He will defend his NABO super middleweight belt in his 20th professional fight against the two-time former world title contender.

In honor of Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, which is making its return following a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Berlanga will top a full card of Puerto Rican boxers. “It means a lot. I’m thankful for the opportunity to once again be headlining in my hometown,” Berlanga said. “This is a dream come true for me to be able to do what Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad did, fighting on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. It’s a blessing and I’m happy.”


Berlanga and his team chose to hold his training camp for the June 11 fight in Puerto Rico, and he has enjoyed being on the island over the past several weeks. “I felt like it was good to do my camp here for this fight. I just wanted to show my face and let the people know that I’m here and that I really do love them and support them,” he said.

He has even gotten the chance to visit with two Puerto Rican legends during his time on the island, going for a jog with Trinidad shortly after his arrival, and visiting with Cotto during a training session at his gym in Caguas. The super middleweight prospect is extremely appreciative of their support and hopes to continue the strong legacy of Puerto Rican champions.

Representing his Puerto Rican roots has been important to Berlanga since he was a child. “It’s my blood and the roots of my family. Generations of my family run through the island. We come from a small island but so many great champions have come from here and I want to fill those shoes,” Berlanga added.

He celebrated his 25th birthday on May 18 while he was in training camp but remained focused on the task at hand.

The June 11 bout will be Berlanga’s second main event at the Hulu Theater following a victory over Steve Rolls in front of a sold-out crowd on March 19.

Berlanga-Angulo and the Xander Zayas- Ravshan Hudaynazarov co-main event will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT following undercard action on ESPN+.

EDGAR BERLANGA

HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, N.Y. BIRTHDATE: May 18, 1997
WEIGHT CLASS: Super Middleweight HEIGHT: 6-1

PROFESSIONAL RECORD: 19-0 (16 KOs) STANCE: Orthodox
NABO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION

Edgar Berlanga is best known for the 16-fight first round knockout streak that kicked off his pro career. Yet the highly touted super middleweight prospect has had a long journey in the sport since he first picked up the gloves at the age of seven. Berlanga grew up in the talent-laden New York boxing scene alongside multiple future stars of the sport.

Berlanga’s father, Edgar, Sr., introduced him to boxing shortly after he returned home from prison. He connected his son with friend and boxing coach, Benny Roman, and it wasn’t long before Berlanga’s natural talent shone through. Shortly after his first sparring session, they entered the youngster in his first Junior Olympic competition. Berlanga opened his young career with 11 straight victories and a future star was born.

Boxing wasn’t the only sport that piqued Berlanga’s interest as a youngster. He loved baseball and was killing it on the basketball court as well but ultimately his dad convinced him that the sweet science offered the most opportunities for Berlanga.

He enjoyed a strong amateur career, securing medals in several national championship events before making the decision to enter the professional ranks in April of 2016. Once Berlanga turned professional, he began to showcase power and explosiveness that he didn’t display as an amateur.

His first-round knockout streak began to catch the attention of the boxing world and he joined forces with promotional powerhouse Top Rank in his 10th professional fight. Berlanga continued his run of first-round knockouts in his Top Rank debut in front of a hometown crowd at Madison Square Garden in April of 2019. Berlanga’s fights quickly became must watch tv as fans and pundits alike watched to see which of his opponents would finally see the second round. The power punching prospect pushed the streak to 16 before was taken the distance in his 17th fight against Demond Nicholson.

He heard the final bell for the second time in his last fight against Marcelo Esteban Coceres on October 9 on the undercard of Tyson Fury – Deontay Wilder III. The outing was quite the learning experience for Berlanga who not only went 10 rounds for the first time but also suffered a bicep tear in the third round of the bout. Berlanga faced

significant adversity for the first time in his young career, but he credits the bout for several lessons. He admits that he was too focused on trying to score the knockout and didn’t utilize his boxing skills but is pleased that he was able to learn so much in a victory.

Shortly after the bout, Berlanga underwent surgery to repair his torn left bicep and has relocated his training camp to Las Vegas for his March 19 fight to complete the necessary rehab on the injury. Following the completion of his rehab, Berlanga prepared for his first main even at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in his hometown of New York. Berlanga scored his 19th professional victory in his March fight.

Berlanga admits that he was born to be an entertainer and he loves every element of performing for an audience. His charisma, flashy personality and entertaining style has made him quite the celebrity magnet. From friends Tracy Morgan and Fat Joe to superstars Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg as well as fellow athletes of every sport, Berlanga consistently draws big names to his fights. He hopes to add acting to his resume when the time is right, and no one would be surprised to see his bright smile lighting up the big screen.

A proud native of Brooklyn and the lower east side, Berlanga not only represents New York City but also his family’s native Puerto Rico. In fact, some of his earliest memories of the sweet science are watching Felix “Tito” Trinidad fight. He works hard to represent the Puerto Rican people and hopes to be the next great Puerto Rican boxing champion although he understands he has big shoes to fill.

Berlanga knows that he has a lot of eyes on him, and he’s always enjoyed being in the spotlight. It’s important to him to be a good role model for everyone looking up to him and to show young people that they can be anything that they want to be with hard work and sacrifice. He hopes to give the young kids coming behind up a blueprint for success, especially the younger boxers looking to follow in his footsteps.

Yet the biggest motivation in Berlanga’s life is his son, Chosen. He and his girlfriend Genesis Calderon welcomed their beautiful baby boy last year and it has certainly put things in perspective for Berlanga. He knows that he now has a family of his own and it’s his responsibility to provide for his son and show him the way in life just as his parents have done for him.

Berlanga credits both of his parents for teaching him so much and instilling work ethic, drive, and mental toughness in him throughout his life and he looks forward to guiding Chosen through life as his parents have done for him.

Berlanga is currently preparing for his 20th professional fight at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 11 He will take on two-time world title challenger Alexis Angulo in a 10-round super middleweight contest live on ESPN and in front of his hometown crowd.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Angulo weighed 169.6 pounds..

Had 2 hours to get down.

If he can’t, the fights goes ahead and he pays a penalty.

[gregregegg]

Angulo weighed 169.6 pounds..

Had 2 hours to get down.

If he can’t, the fights goes ahead and he pays a penalty.

Missing weight by 2 lbs is a big miss and i assume he tried pretty hard to make it the first time so trying to lose that in 2 hours is a bad idea. I hope he dosent try and just takes the penalty. But im sure this is a final pay day for him so he probably wants to make every cent he can.

If he tries again the odds of a spectacular berlanga KO skyrocket, tough weight cutting killlls punch resistance.

[Cent0089]

Heaviest guys in undercard are 140 lbs. Plus most of them total trash matchups. Who would watch that

[Ruthless-RKO]

Date: Saturday June 11, 2022
Location: Hulu Theater at MSG - New York, NY
TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+

Start Times
ESPN+: 6 pm ET | 3 pm PT | 11 pm BST (Preliminary Card)
ESPN/ESPN+: 10:30 pm ET | 7:30 pm PT | 3:30 am BST (Main Card)

Promoted by: Top Rank Inc.

Main Card

NABO Super Middleweight Championship
Edgar Berlanga vs. Alexis Angulo

WBO Latino junior lightweight Championship
Henry Lebron vs. Luis Lebron

Prelim Undercard

8 Round Super Bantamweight Bout
Carlos Caraballo vs. Victor Santillan

8 Round Super Lightweight Bout
Josue Vargas vs. Dakota Linger

6 Round Lightweight Bout
Armani Almestica vs. Eliseo Villalobos

8 Round Featherweight Bout
Orlando Gonzalez vs. Pablo Cruz

6 Round Super Lightweight Bout
Omar Rosario vs. Julio Rosa

6 Round Super Featherweight Bout
Frevian Gonzalez vs. Refugio Montellano

4 Round Flyweight Bout
Christina Cruz vs. Maryguenn Vellinga

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anyone watching this?

[gregregegg]

Anyone watching this?

Ill sart streaming it after mung knocks out kelly. Hopefuly its still on. I prefer the berlanga fight, but im going to preference HD on my TV over low quality on my computer.

[skanksta]

I am now...

[gregregegg]

Lebrons gunna win this one.

[skanksta]

Lebrons gunna win this one.

We shall see....

[gregregegg]

mabey i should clarify, the peurto rican lebron wearing the blue shorts is going to win this one.

[margaret thatcher]

lol this fight is almost comical, the puerto rican lebron in the blue and gold shorts, with the blue shoes

the graphic should just go by glove colour, a lot easier to tell than by the shorts

[margaret thatcher]

lebron landed 10 punches that round

and lebron landed 9 that round

[skanksta]

Moncho has a good lead on Popeye.

[margaret thatcher]

looks like a decent crowd here at least