Edgar Berlanga has somewhat been boxing’s version of the “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” of late.
After kicking off his career with 16 consecutive first-round KOs, the knockout phenomenon Berlanga has gone the distance in his last four fights, logging in a total of 38 rounds against the likes of Roamer Alexis Angulo, Steve Rolls, Marcelo Esteban Coceres, and Demond Nicholson.
Judging the tape, many critics deemed the super middleweight Berlanga had regressed. Promoter Top Rank also appeared inclined to pump the brakes a bit with the caliber of opponents Berlanga was facing, just as the boxer was looking to make the leap.
Alas, both sides split in January, and the 25-year-old Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) is now a free agent.
“We didn’t have the same ideas. That’s the reason we’re here now. [Top Rank] did an amazing job building my career and getting me to where I am not now,” Berlanga told co-hosts Akin Reyes and Barak Bess on “The DAZN Boxing Show.”
“I already know I was a star, regardless of the critics. When you’re winning in life, you’re always going to have haters. That comes with the territory. I’m just happy to be in this position.
“I feel like I’m in a situation where I am ready for that step up to get into those big fights.”
When Berlanga was asked if the public had seen the best version of himself, he said, “Naw, not yet. I just move at my pace, and I know when the time is right, I’m going to be ready for the big fights.”
Team Berlanga is currently fielding offers from the rest of the top players in the field, including Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, and Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Promotions.
What is it going to take to land the free agent?
“Whoever offers the best deal,” said Berlanga. “We’re meeting with everybody. Numbers, matchmaking, and the way we want to get moved have to make sense. Everything has to make sense for my team and me. This is interesting. I’m just sitting back with my legs up, chilling, and waiting on these offers.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.