Super middleweight wrecking ball Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga has been “The Perfect One” thus far, knocking out all 15 of his professional opponents in the first round.
Berlanga puts perfection on the line Saturday, December 12, when he fights Ulises Sierra in an eight-round showdown from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Berlanga-Sierra will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader (10 p.m. ET) that includes the 10-round junior lightweight main event featuring Shakur Stevenson and Toka Kahn Clary and a 10-round lightweight co-feature between Felix Verdejo and Masayoshi Nakatani.
“Edgar Berlanga has a unique blend of power and charisma, and I believe he is the next Puerto Rican superstar,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Ulises Sierra is the toughest test of Edgar’s career. Who knows if that will make a difference? We’ve tried to get the kid some rounds before, but once Edgar hurts his opponents, it’s game over.”
Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs) has fought twice in 2020, spending a grand total of 2:21 inside the ring. He knocked out Lanell Bellows in 1:19 on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Teofimo Lopez undercard, the first time Bellows had been knocked out in 30 professional bouts. Sierra (15-1-2, 9 KOs), from San Diego, entered 2020 on an eight-bout winning streak, which included a nationally televised 28-second knockout over Jose Hernandez. In January, he dropped a 10-round unanimous decision to top prospect Vladimir Shishkin.
Still not a real test for Berlanga; the only question is if he’ll be able to survive the 1st round. As I’ve said before, it would behoove Berlanga if he does, just to shake the pressure of keeping that meaningless 1st round KO streak alive. If Sierra is able to last a few rounds, it will give Berlanga a chance to showcase his skills, which he does possess…he’s not just heavy handed, the young man has a nice tool kit
The KO1 streak is what got you and everyone else to think about the Chosen one
Abe-It most definitely has gotten my interest, and I think Berlanga and his streak are awesome. I’m sure Berlanga himself doesn’t necesarily give a shit about his streak though. If he could knock out everybody out in the 1st round for the rest of his career, that would be great, but it’s not going to happen. I think what me, and most people want to see now is how he fares against world class competition. The power is there and I think he’s going to continue to dominate, whether it be by early round KO’s or 10 and 12 round decisions. What impresses me most is how he sets up his KO’s. He doesn’t just zero in and attack; he sets them up lovely with patience, poise, ring smarts, and impeccable timing.
Kris, I don’t think Berlanga is feeling pressure to continue the streak. He seems completely patient in his approach. And like any good pro, when he hurts his opponent he goes for the finish.
His opposition isn’t great at this point, but I think they’re gradually increasing that. There is no need to rush.
According to the internet, By age 8, Edgar began competing. Annihilating his opposition, he compiled an astonishing amateur record of 162 victories with only 17 defeats. One observer said of Berlanga, “He has bricks in his fists.”
Obviously he has plenty of amateur experience and he seems to carry his power. Would like to see him tested if someone hits on the chin, but he does look good so far. He’s very young, only 23, but he will be someone Canelo will avoid in the near future.
Berlanga hasn’t been in deep yet, but he’s done what he’s done thus far against pretty credible opposition. As you know, there are guys in boxing who’s sole purpose is to go in and get knocked out and make other guys look good. I don’t think Berlanga has really fought those type of guys. Berlanga is thought to be this new Knock Out prodigy, but the fact is, he’s been a pro for nearly 5 years and has realitively few fights. Time for the kid to make a move!
Kris. Agreed. Reminds me of a then rising star by the name of David “Nino” Rodriguez. Powerhouse heavyweight knocking people out left and right. Thise guys were descent to good opposition but he never challenged himself to be great by taking that step up and fighting an A side fighter. Hope Berlangas manager doesnt make that same mistake with him. Sometimes u jus gotta shoot for the stars if u wanna be one.
well thats still 17 losses in the amateur ranks which again means nothing in the pros but as long as he is fed a healthy diet of Home Depot workers he will continue to win via KO at least until he steps up and fights a live opponent then we will see
17 losses in the amateurs isn’t the same as 17 losses in the pros. In the amateurs, they don’t pad your record or hand pick your opponents like they do in the paid ranks. You fight who ever is in front of you. It’s hard to break into amateur boxing because often times your opponent may have a lot more experience than you. My first amateur fight, I fought a guy with 36 fights! Not to mention the scoring can be suspect in the am’s-a weak jab scores as much as a crushing power punch. All those great Cuban and Russian amateur stars have records like 250-20.
Looks like they found another lamb (Sierra) for the big hungry wolf (Berlanga). While in the wolf’s lair, maybe Sierra can provide 3-5 rounds to Berlanga.
Bek the bully vs Berlanga
Bek is another beast in the super middles!