Edgar Berlanga has rightfully been viewed as a power puncher. With 16 consecutive stoppage victories to start his career, all of which came in the very first round, the New York native concludes that if he connects properly, that’ll be all she wrote.
But, despite earning a reputation as a fierce puncher, the 25-year-old has found his recent level of opposition a bit more durable. During his last four outings, the 168-pound contender was forced to enlist the help of the three judges sitting ringside. And while he would ultimately go on to box his way to lopsided decisions, Berlanga doesn’t believe that he’s unveiled his entire offensive arsenal.
“I didn’t even really get to show all of my skills of who I truly am,” said Berlanga to a group of reporters recently.
After recently parting ways with Top Rank, Berlanga fielded offers from several promoters and ultimately signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
Having been out of the ring since scoring a unanimous decision victory over Roamer Alexis Angulo on June 11th, due to a suspension, Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) is hoping that the 2023 calendar will provide him an opportunity to prove himself. Amongst a long list of names he would love to take on, Jaime Munguia protrudes near the top of Berlanga’s list.
The 25-year-old former titlist at 154 pounds has been constantly chastised for his opposition selection. Although he’s spent the vast majority of his career vacillating between 154 and 160 pounds, the Mexican native did compete as high as 165 pounds against Jimmy Kelly in 2022, before opting to move back down in weight.
Berlanga, by and large, is keeping a watchful eye on Munguia’s next move. While he’s managed to register a spotless record through 41 career fights, Berlanga admits that Munguia’s overall skills aren’t overly impressive.
Should Munguia take offense to Berlanga’s criticism, the Puerto Rican product indicates that a showdown between them could ultimately be worked out.
“I just feel like Munguia is a one-dimensional fighter. He comes forward, he doesn’t move his head, he doesn’t have great foot movement. A fighter like me who can punch, who can move around now, it’s just different. He comes up to 168, we can definitely make something happen.”