Promoter Eddie Hearn is expecting fireworks when super middleweight contender Padraig McCrory steps in the ring for the biggest opportunity of his career.
On February 24, McCrory will face undefeated puncher Edgar Berlanga in Orlando, Florida.
According to Hearn, a win over Berlanga will immediately have McCrory in the running for big money fights with Jaime Munguia and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“I think you’d look to put him in with Munguia, does he look for a fight with Canelo? If Padraig McCrory wins that fight he has swum the channel and won the Euromillions in the same night,” Hearn told IFL TV.
Berlanga’s name skyrocketed when he racked up 16 straight knockouts – and all of them came in the first round.
However, his last five bouts have all gone the distance and some believe Berlanga has shown some vulnerabilities in his recent outings.
Earlier this year, Berlanga would part ways with Top Rank and signed on with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
In his last fight, in June, Berlanga dropped Jason Quigley four times, but he was unable to put him away and the contest reached the full twelve round distance.
McCory has some power and the ability to box when necessary, but he’s taking a step up in class with Berlanga.
Hearn views the bout as being a dangerous outing for both.
“People who know the sport, who know Padraig and know Edgar Berlanga, know that that fight is X-rated. It’s a difficult sell to the wider market, but let me tell you now that fight is a thriller. Look at Padraig’s world rankings, number 3 with the WBO, top 10 with all other governing bodies, it’s a big fight, a dangerous fight for both,” Hearn said.