Shannon Briggs Reacts to Edgar Berlanga’s Heavyweight Ambitions
Former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs has recently expressed his thoughts on Edgar Berlanga’s surprising desire to test his boxing skills at the heavyweight division.1
Berlanga, known for his knockout power and undefeated streak before facing some of the sport’s top competitors, made waves earlier this month when he mentioned his interest in competing in the heaviest division of boxing.
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Edgar Berlanga’s Recent Battle with Canelo Alvarez
- Berlanga’s fight against Canelo Alvarez was viewed as a career-defining opportunity for the 27-year-old New York native. Leading up to the fight, Berlanga had built a reputation for being a knockout artist, with an impressive string of early finishes in his career.
- However, when faced with the pound-for-pound great, Canelo, Berlanga struggled to find the same success.
- The fight, which headlined a major boxing event, saw Canelo win by unanimous decision, retaining his super middleweight world titles and reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
- Despite the loss, Berlanga’s ambition remained undeterred. He showed respect for Canelo’s experience and skill, but also expressed his determination to bounce back.
- Interestingly, instead of staying within the super middleweight or even light heavyweight ranks, Berlanga hinted at a move to the heavyweight division, where the biggest and most powerful fighters in the world compete.
Shannon Briggs’ Take on Berlanga’s Move to Heavyweight
When asked about Berlanga’s ambition to step into the heavyweight ring, Shannon Briggs, a former world heavyweight champion known for his “Let’s Go Champ” mantra, shared his opinion.
Briggs, who held the WBO heavyweight title and fought some of the most dangerous fighters in the division during his career, had mixed reactions to Berlanga’s desire to challenge the heavyweights.
The Challenges of Moving Up in Weight
For any fighter, moving up in weight comes with significant challenges, especially when stepping into the heavyweight division, where there are no upper weight limits.
Fighters like Canelo Alvarez, who famously moved up from middleweight to light heavyweight and won titles, have shown that it’s possible to compete successfully in multiple divisions. However, the jump from super middleweight (168 lbs) or even light heavyweight (175 lbs) to heavyweight (200+ lbs) is far more extreme.
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Edgar Berlanga Clarifies Callout of Anthony Joshua: “I Have Nothing but Respect”
Edgar Berlanga, the super middleweight boxer known for his explosive power, recently made headlines when he expressed interest in testing his skills against some of the top names in the heavyweight division.2
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In a bold move, Berlanga even called out former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, sparking heated discussions among fans and boxing experts alike. The callout, however, led some fans to believe that Berlanga might be disrespecting Joshua, a fighter significantly larger and more experienced in the heavyweight ranks.
Anthony Joshua’s Weight and Size: A Massive Challenge for Berlanga
One of the most significant talking points in the potential matchup between Berlanga and Joshua is the stark size difference between the two fighters.3
Anthony Joshua, who weighed in at 252 pounds for his recent fight against fellow heavyweight Daniel Dubois, is known for his imposing physique, towering height, and strength. He has built his reputation on dominating the heavyweight division with a combination of power and athleticism.
The Fan Reaction: Did Berlanga Disrespect Joshua?
When Berlanga’s callout of Anthony Joshua went public, it immediately drew reactions from fans and the boxing community. Some fans interpreted Berlanga’s willingness to fight a much larger opponent as a slight against Joshua, implying that Berlanga did not take Joshua’s skill set and size seriously.
One fan commented that calling out Joshua could be seen as “disrespectful,” considering the size and experience gap between the two fighters.
A Hypothetical Side Quest: Berlanga’s Ambitions at Heavyweight
- Berlanga’s callout of Joshua also sheds light on his broader ambitions within the sport. While he has primarily competed at super middleweight, Berlanga has expressed interest in testing himself in other divisions, including light heavyweight and even heavyweight.
- For many fighters, moving up in weight is a natural progression as they gain experience and seek new challenges.
- However, moving from super middleweight to heavyweight represents an extreme jump, both in terms of physicality and competition.
- Berlanga would not only need to gain significant weight to compete at heavyweight, but he would also need to adjust his fighting style to deal with the power and endurance required to face the larger opponents in that division.
Who is Edgar Berlanga?
Edgar Berlanga, born Edgar Luis Berlanga Jr. on May 18, 1997, is an American professional boxer who has quickly made a name for himself due to his incredible punching power and exciting knockout performances.
Nicknamed “The Chosen One,” Berlanga became a fan favorite early in his career by winning his first 16 professional fights, all by first-round knockout. His fast rise in the boxing world has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest punchers, and his explosive style has made him one of the most talked-about prospects in boxing.
Early Life and Background
Edgar Berlanga was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, which has made him a proud representative of Puerto Rican culture and heritage in the boxing world.
Growing up in New York City, Berlanga was surrounded by the rich boxing tradition that the city is known for, and his passion for the sport developed at an early age. He began boxing when he was just seven years old, training in local gyms where he quickly displayed his natural talent for the sport.
💎🇵🇷 @EdgarBerlangaJr #CaneloBerlanga | @DAZNBoxing PPV pic.twitter.com/OYR5fTy2Hx
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 12, 2024
Professional Career and Knockout Streak
Edgar Berlanga made his professional boxing debut on April 29, 2016, at just 18 years old. From the very start, Berlanga demonstrated his exceptional knockout power, which would become his trademark.
In each of his first 16 fights, Berlanga knocked out his opponents in the very first round, a feat that is virtually unheard of in professional boxing. This streak earned him a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the sport and created a buzz among boxing fans and analysts alike.
The End of the Knockout Streak
While Berlanga’s 16-fight knockout streak made him a sensation, the streak came to an end on April 24, 2021, when he faced Demond Nicholson. In this fight, Berlanga was taken the distance for the first time in his career, winning by unanimous decision after eight rounds.
Although he didn’t secure another first-round knockout, the fight proved that Berlanga could handle a longer contest and still dominate his opponent.
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Edgar Berlanga’s Professional Career
Edgar Berlanga’s professional boxing career began on April 29, 2016, when he faced Jorge Pedroza at Isla San Marcos in Aguascalientes City, Mexico. From his very first bout, Berlanga showcased the explosive power that would come to define his career.
He secured a first-round knockout (KO) victory, immediately establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the ring. This debut marked the beginning of an impressive journey through the world of professional boxing, characterized by a remarkable string of knockouts and an undefeated record.
Early Professional Success
Following his debut, Berlanga continued to build momentum, taking on a series of opponents in quick succession. His ability to finish fights early became a hallmark of his style, as he racked up knockout victories that captivated fans and drew attention from promoters.
Over the next several years, Berlanga’s fights became events in their own right, often attracting large crowds eager to witness his explosive performances.
Rising Star in the Boxing World
Berlanga’s rapid ascent through the ranks did not go unnoticed by the boxing community. His style, characterized by an aggressive approach and devastating power, drew comparisons to some of the sport’s most iconic punchers.
Fans and analysts began to speculate about his potential to become a world champion, especially in the super middleweight division.
The Knockout Streak
One of the most remarkable aspects of Berlanga’s career has been his knockout streak. The fact that he finished so many opponents in the first round became a significant talking point in the boxing world.
Fans eagerly anticipated each fight, wondering if Berlanga would continue his streak of early knockouts. His ability to deliver dramatic finishes created an electric atmosphere during his bouts, and he quickly became a fan favorite for those who appreciate the art of knockout power.
Edgar Berlanga’s Net Worth
Edgar Berlanga, the explosive boxer known as “The Chosen One,” has seen significant financial success in his professional career since he joined the Top Rank promotion in 2019. His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, a reflection of both his earnings in the ring and lucrative endorsement deals he has secured.
Earnings from Fights
Berlanga’s income primarily comes from his boxing matches, where he has built a reputation as a knockout artist. Although the exact figures can vary from fight to fight, as he has moved up the ranks, his purse for bouts has increased. Early in his career, he earned relatively modest sums for his fights, but as his popularity grew, so did his paychecks.
His decision to fight under the Top Rank banner has also been advantageous. Top Rank is known for promoting high-profile events, which often means higher visibility for its fighters. This exposure can lead to increased ticket sales and pay-per-view revenue, further boosting a fighter’s earnings.
Endorsement Deals
In addition to his fight purses, Berlanga has capitalized on his growing fame by securing endorsement deals with several brands. Notably, he has partnered with companies like SNAC (Science Nutrition for Athletes), FMG (Fight Music Group), and Blend Astoria.
Endorsement deals can be highly lucrative for boxers, particularly those who have a strong public presence. Berlanga’s explosive style and charismatic persona make him an attractive figure for brands looking to promote their products in the sports and fitness industry.
Financial Management
As with many athletes, effective financial management is crucial for long-term success. Berlanga has expressed a desire to be financially savvy, ensuring that he secures his wealth not just through boxing but also through smart investments and business ventures.
Many athletes fall into financial difficulties after their careers end, but by planning for the future, Berlanga aims to avoid such pitfalls. This proactive approach is wise, especially in a sport where careers can be relatively short-lived due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.
Future Potential
Looking ahead, Berlanga’s financial situation could improve significantly if he continues to succeed in the ring. A successful title run or high-profile bouts against established stars could greatly increase his earnings. The boxing landscape is always changing, and opportunities for lucrative fights can arise unexpectedly.
FAQ’S
1. What did Edgar Berlanga say in his callout of Anthony Joshua?
Ans: Edgar Berlanga expressed his desire to fight Anthony Joshua, emphasizing his readiness to step into the ring with the former heavyweight champion. He aimed to showcase his skills against a top-level opponent and called for the match to happen soon.
2. How did Anthony Joshua respond to Berlanga’s callout?
Ans: While specific comments from Anthony Joshua on Berlanga’s callout may not be publicly available, Joshua has historically been open to fights with rising stars. His management team might evaluate Berlanga’s potential as a future opponent, depending on their respective career trajectories.
3. What was the reaction from the former WBO heavyweight champion regarding Berlanga’s callout?
Ans: The former WBO heavyweight champion expressed surprise at Berlanga’s boldness but acknowledged that such callouts are part of the sport. They may have encouraged Berlanga’s ambitions but highlighted the difference in their weight classes and the challenges involved in moving up or down divisions.
4. What does this callout mean for Edgar Berlanga’s career?
Ans: Berlanga’s callout signifies his ambition to establish himself in the boxing world and gain recognition among elite fighters. It demonstrates his confidence and willingness to take risks to advance his career, potentially leading to high-profile fights in the future.
5. Are there any potential implications for a fight between Berlanga and Joshua?
Ans: A match between Berlanga and Joshua could attract significant attention due to both fighters’ reputations. However, logistical challenges related to weight class, timing, and career paths could affect the feasibility of such a fight. If it were to happen, it could be a major event in the boxing calendar.
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