Edgar Berlanga roared loud after the first 16 fights of his career. As violent stoppage victories put the super middleweight contender on the map, Juan De Leon, Berlanga’s new trainer, is shaken as his fighter’s knockout power begins to steal all the headlines.
More than anything, while De Leon knows full well that Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) is a deadly puncher, after spending the last few months working closely with him, he’s convinced his brains are as impressive as his brawn.
“The one thing he has that no one can take away from him is power,” De Leon said during an interview with FightHype.com. “Another thing is that he is a smart boy, he showed me that.”
Lately, Berlanga, 25, has been forced to rely on more than just his physical tools. In four consecutive appearances in the ring, Berlanga’s opponents have dealt very well with his normally lauded power. Most recently, the New York native was pushed to the limit against Roamer Alexis Angulo.
The end results may have been to Berlanga’s liking, however he has been openly criticized for his overall performance. However, despite the dubious voices that have surrounded his career, De León firmly believes that not only will Berlanga claim a world title at 168 pounds, but considering his massive frame, he will eventually garner several championship trinkets in multiple weight classes. .
“I think if they take Edgar slow for the next two, three, four fights, I think he can become a world champion. I think he can become a champion at 168, 75 and cruiserweight because he has the height.”
Before Berlanga tries to prove De Leon right, the highly ranked super middleweight contender has some work to do in his current weight class. Currently, with the high-impact young star ranked in the top four by the IBF and WBO sanctioning bodies, he stands on the brink of his first shot at a world title.
But despite his rapid rise up the super middleweight ranks, De Leon hopes Berlanga’s handlers will take their time with him.
“I think the next two, three, four fights with Edgar and if he applies what I’m telling him, I think he’ll be ready to fight for the championship. But nice and easy, no rush.”
