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Mike CoppingerESPN
Edgar Berlanga has signed a multifight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, the promoter announced Tuesday.
Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) started his career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts. The 25-year-old became a free agent after he parted ways with Top Rank last month following disagreements on the direction of his career. Now, he’ll compete on DAZN.
“I’m excited to start my new journey with the best promoter in the world, the legend Eddie Hearn,” said Berlanga, who also contemplated offers from Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Al Haymon’s PBC. “I’m looking to build my legacy in the sport of boxing. I want to thank my manager, Keith Connolly, and my father, Edgar Berlanga Sr., who were instrumental in guiding me towards this amazing opportunity.
“I’m looking for the big fights and I know signing with Matchroom was the right choice to get me to where I want to go. I’m humbled by this opportunity, and I will dedicate myself into becoming the best 168-pounder in the world. My main goal is to the land the Canelo [Alvarez] fight and renew the greatest rivalry in boxing — Mexico vs. Puerto Rico.”
Berlanga, an attraction in New York with Puerto Rican fans, settled for decisions in his past four bouts as the competition stiffened. He was floored by Marcelo Coceres in 2021 and then failed to produce fireworks in ESPN main-event wins over Steve Rolls and Roamer Angulo last year. The Angulo fight resulted in a six-month suspension for Berlanga after he bit his opponent.
Berlanga, who competes at super middleweight, is no longer serving a suspension.
“I am delighted to have won the race for Edgar’s signature,” said Hearn. “It is no surprise that everyone wanted to snap him up — he has a great fan base, he is a real character and most importantly, he can do the business in spectacular fashion in the ring.
“Edgar wants to be a world champion and the fight he wants is Canelo Alvarez. We are plotting a route for him to land that showdown with Canelo, and Edgar is ready to take on the best of the 168-pound division to prove he is ready to meet the undisputed champion in [a] classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico blockbuster.”