New York-based boxing sensation Edgar Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) is determined to send the undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, into retirement. This comes after Berlanga’s year-long hiatus from the ring since his attempt to take on Roamer Alexis Angulo in June 2022. The 26-year-old Berlanga is now set to make a comeback with a warm-up fight against Jason Quigley (20-2, 14 KOs), an Irish native, on June 24th at Madison Square Garden in New York. With a track record of impressive knockouts, the highly-ranked contender seems confident about his chances against Canelo if he can secure a win against Quigley.
Berlanga’s plans might not be far-fetched considering Alvarez might not be fighting Dmitry Bivol anytime soon. Reports suggest there’s been no contact between the management of the Mexican star and Bivol’s handlers, leading to speculation that a fight isn’t likely to materialize within the remaining three months to September. Meanwhile, Berlanga’s performance in his upcoming fight is a crucial determinant of his ability to handle Alvarez, given his year-long ring absence and his struggle in the fight against Angulo.
Berlanga’s anticipated return has created a buzz among boxing enthusiasts. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, the determined fighter stated, “A thousand percent. I feel like I’m back. People are going to see it on the 24th. I’m back to myself.” Despite Quigley’s previous knockout by Demetrius Andrade in 2021, Berlanga is not taking his opponent lightly. His primary focus remains on Quigley, aiming to prove his capabilities and set the stage for a potential bout against Canelo. Berlanga believes that his performance on the 24th will determine whether the much-anticipated fight against Canelo will become a reality. The outcome of these fights holds promising implications for Berlanga's career, setting him on the path to becoming the first male undisputed world champion to come out of Puerto Rico.
Image Credit: Sky Sports