Edgar Luis Berlanga Jr. was born on May 18, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York, and is a professional boxer. He is highly regarded for his explosive power in the ring and his Puerto Rican heritage. Having started boxing at the tender age of seven years, Berlanga quickly showed a natural aptitude for the sport, amassing an impressive amateur record of 162 wins against 17 losses, thus laying a very solid foundation for his transition into the professional arena.
Professional Debut and Meteoric Rise
Berlanga had a great round, bursting onto the scene in professional boxing against Jorge Pedroza with a stoppage in 1:45 on April 29, 2016, at the Explanada De la Estacion in Aguascalientes City, Mexico, the precursor that got him going when Berlanga really went after and compiled those astonishing 16 consecutive KOs, stamping himself immediately upon the sensibilities of one and all into the universe. More critically, this unprecedented feat-both underlining the formidable clout of his artillery.
Chasing Records and Challenges
Over the course of his career, Berlanga pursued the world record for consecutive first-round KOs held by Ali Raymi. He finally equaled the record of Young Otto with his 16th consecutive first-round KO on December 12, 2020, against Ulises Sierra. This eventually came to an end on April 24, 2021, as Berlanga faced up to Demond Nicholson.
Although he didn’t get the stoppage in the first round, Berlanga proved his stamina and skill by winning via unanimous decision after going the distance for the first time in his professional career.
Notable Bouts and Career Milestones
Marcelo Esteban Coceres Fight: Berlanga fought former WBO title challenger Marcelo Esteban Coceres on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III on 9th October 2021. In this fight, Berlanga saw much action and was knocked down in the ninth round but came back resiliently to take a unanimous decision win on all the judges’ scorecards by 96–93.
Padraig McCrory Match: Berlanga took on Belfast’s Padraig McCrory on February 24, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. The fight was competitive for most of the fight, but eventually, Berlanga’s power took over, landing a devastating right overhand punch in the sixth round that dropped McCrory to the canvas. The victory kept Berlanga’s record intact and set him up for bigger fights in the super middleweight division.
Changes and Promotion, Pursuit of Championship Glory
The result was that Berlanga and longtime promoter Top Rank decided to amicably go their separate ways this January 2023 because of some key issues about his contract that they were unable to resolve. Since then, the split has left Berlanga as a promotional free agent, free to explore other avenues and alliances in boxing.
First and foremost, he showed gratitude for the opportunity provided by both Top Rank and ESPN. Berlanga made a point of letting it be known that he wants to headline some big cards, going as far as to say he wants to sell out the main arena at Madison Square Garden-a place close to his Puerto Rican heart.
The Showdown with Canelo Alvarez
Alvarez looked more experienced and tactical during the bout, which included a significant knockdown in the third round. After the fight, Berlanga said it was a learning experience: “I fought a legend tonight. Hopefully, this is the start today of me becoming a future legend.”
Legacy and Future Aspirations
The loss to Alvarez has not slowed the career of Berlanga, and his trajectory remains very promising. An early knockout streak, coupled with the resilience of facing top-level opponents, underlines his future success. Berlanga still remains one of the biggest names at super middleweight and now pursues world championships that will further cement his legacy in the history of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Edgar Berlanga’s professional boxing record?
Coming into 2025, Edgar Berlanga was 22-1 with 17 wins coming by knockout.
How did Edgar Berlanga take up the profession of boxing?
Berlanga, born in New York, first laced up boxing gloves at seven, inspired by a rich Puerto Rican heritage and the iconic Félix Trinidad.
What was peculiar with Berlanga’s early professional fights?
At the beginning of his professional career, he went on to make 16 first-round knockouts consecutively, evidencing great power in his punch.
Has Edgar Berlanga ever had any issues with the disciplinary committees during his career?
Yes, he was fined $10,000 and suspended for six months for trying to bite his opponent in a match in June 2022.
Whom did Berlanga home his first professional loss against?
He fought Canelo Alvarez on September 14, 2024, via unanimous decision.
What are Berlanga’s future aspirations in the sport of boxing?
He’d like to be the world champion in the super middleweight division and continue carrying his Puerto Rican flag highly into more significant platforms.
Has Berlanga ever changed promoters throughout his career?
Yes, he left Top Rank in January 2023 and is now a
