Who is Edgar Berlanga, the boxer from Brooklyn who is fighting Canelo Álvarez? Career stats

Edgar Berlanga stands on the brink of what could be a career-defining moment. At 27, the undefeated boxer from Brooklyn is set to face none other than Canelo Álvarez, a name synonymous with boxing greatness, in a showdown for the unified super middleweight championship on September 14. It’s the kind of fight that could mark a changing of the guard, a “passing of the torch,” as they say, from one legend to the next. And for Berlanga, it’s a chance to step out of the shadow and claim the spotlight.

“I’m fighting a legend, and I’m going to become a legend,” says Berlanga. “It’s my time to shine.”

Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Nuyorican community, Berlanga’s roots run deep in Puerto Rican soil. He’s always felt a strong connection to the island, despite growing up in the U.S. “I feel 100 percent Puerto Rican,” he told Metro back in 2018 while visiting his family there. His parents, both born on the island, instilled in him a deep pride for his heritage. That pride now fuels his motivation as he steps into the ring to face Canelo, with the fight being billed as another classic in the traditional Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.

For those familiar with boxing’s rich history, that rivalry carries the weight of legends like Salvador Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Félix Trinidad vs. Fernando Vargas. Berlanga knows he’s about to add his name to that list, and he’s ready for the challenge.

“There’s a lot of doubt out there on me,” Berlanga admits, but he’s no stranger to adversity. “Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is the biggest rivalry in boxing, and we’re making history September 14.”

Berlanga’s journey to this moment started early. Boxing since the age of seven, he quickly made a name for himself as an amateur, amassing over 160 wins, including gold at the 2015 U.S. Youth National Championships. Turning pro in 2016, he cut his teeth in the rings of Mexico before signing with Top Rank in 2019. From there, he became a staple in New York and Las Vegas fight nights, stacking up wins with a ferocious intensity that drew immediate attention.

His early pro career was explosive - literally. Berlanga knocked out his first 16 opponents, a streak that earned him the nickname “The Chosen One.” But since 2021, things have changed. The knockouts stopped coming so easily, and Berlanga found himself going the distance in five straight fights. Even so, his record remained unblemished. Along the way, he picked up notable wins against Steve Rolls and Roamer Alexis Angulo, adding to his NABO title win in 2021.

But it’s Berlanga’s signing with Matchroom Boxing in early 2023 that really set the stage for this pivotal clash with Canelo. In his debut under the Matchroom banner, Berlanga knocked down Jason Quigley four times in what was a statement victory. His most recent fight, a knockout win over Padraig McCrory, showcased that the power that once defined him is still there, waiting to be unleashed.

With a perfect 22-0 record and 17 knockouts, Berlanga has earned his shot at the biggest name in the sport. Yet, despite his flawless resume, there are still questions. Can he handle the pressure of a mega-fight against a living legend like Canelo? Does he have the skills to go toe-to-toe with a fighter who has seen and done it all? Berlanga, for his part, seems unfazed.

“People are tired of him and want a new face,” he says of Canelo. “I’m destined for this, to take over the sport and become the face by defeating him and retiring him on the night.”

If Berlanga pulls off the upset, it will indeed be a passing of the torch. But for now, he’s the underdog looking to prove that he belongs in the conversation with boxing’s elite. On September 14, we’ll see if Edgar Berlanga is truly ready to step into the spotlight and take his place among the greats.