Date: Saturday, February 24 l Start time: 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. UK l Live on DAZN
Edgar Berlanga is gearing up to bring his A-game and some old-school spite back into the ring as he squares off against Padraig McCrory at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on February 24, with the whole world watching live on DAZN.
Berlanga, sporting a spotless record of 21-0 with 16 knockouts, is all set to build on the momentum from his last tussle where he sent Jason Quigley packing with a double knockdown in the 12th round, sealing a resounding points victory in the Big Apple last June.
After a year away from the limelight and reuniting with his cornerman Marc Farrait after a four-year hiatus, the 26-year-old is shaking off any ring rust and past training camp injuries. With the addition of esteemed strength and conditioning coach Angel ‘Memo’ Heredia and a new focus at his Tampa HQ, Berlanga is feeling in peak condition to take on the unbeaten McCrory from Belfast, boasting an 18-0 record with 9 KOs.
Berlanga is stoked about his comeback, “That final round in my previous bout really slapped me awake. I’ve got the punch that spells trouble for anyone, and I’m feeling a whole new level of ready, in body, mind, and spirit. Expect some serious fireworks from me on February 24. I’m not just showing up; I’m showing out for a knockout.”
He’s all about proving his dominance, “When I’m firing on all cylinders, like you’ll see come fight night, there’s no stopping me. I’ve upped my game, zeroing in on the nitty-gritty of my technique, and boy, it’s going to be spectacular.”
Berlanga’s also cleaned house, cutting off the dead weight of fair-weather friends, “I’ve had my share of green-eyed monsters pretending to be pals. But now, it’s just me, my squad, and a clear path to greatness with a little help from the man upstairs. I’m gunning for the top spot in the 168lb division, and after I’m done with McCrory, the chatter about me facing off with big names will be off the charts.”
Berlanga concedes, albeit with a dash of overconfidence, “He’s my toughest challenge to date, no doubt. Sporting an unblemished record, he’s clinging to that ‘0’ with a desperate grip. But let’s not kid ourselves; I’m well aware he’s stepping into the ring ready to scrap, eager to make a statement. This is the kind of ambition I relish.”
The narrative takes a turn towards the comedic as Berlanga predicts McCrory’s strategy post-first hit: opting for evasion over engagement. “The moment he feels my punches, I bet he’ll be pedaling backwards. Engaging in a slugfest with me? I’ll believe it when I see it. Nevertheless, we’re geared up for his every move—be it his attempt to outmaneuver, entice, or land a crafty blow. And should he dare to stand his ground—well, he’s dubbed ‘The Hammer’ for a reason. The stage is set for him to prove his mettle.”
Berlanga’s rhetoric escalates as he vows to let his fists do the talking, promising a display of brute force come Saturday. “I’m bringing the fireworks, and I hope he’s ready. A glance in my direction during the press conference will send a clear message: I’m here to knock him out. I’m crossing my fingers he shows up in top form, so we can deliver a spectacle. I’m on the hunt, and he’s in my crosshairs.”
Reflecting on a previous bout with Jason, Berlanga acknowledges the transformative power of such high-stake fights. “Facing me, they summon an unparalleled resolve, akin to challenging titans like Canelo or Benavidez. McCrory’s no exception, viewing this as a career-defining opportunity. But let’s face it: their renewed vigor, while commendable, will hardly tilt the scales in their favor.”
In a nod to his Irish ties, Berlanga ends on a lighter note, albeit with a final jibe at McCrory, “I hold the Irish fans in high regard, my manager included. Yet, for McCrory, the end is nigh. They might as well crown me the ‘Irish Assassin.’ But credit where credit’s due: the fervor of the Irish, both in New York and beyond, mirrors the combative spirit of my homeland, Puerto Rico.”
The night promises more than just the Berlanga-McCrory showdown, with a card packed with talent. Highlights include a clash between Cuban sensation Andy Cruz and Mexico’s Brayan Zamarippa, a welterweight eliminator featuring Shakhram Giyasov and Pablo Cesar Cano, and another eliminator with Antonio Vargas and Jonathan Rodriguez eyeing the bantamweight title opportunity.
Plus, don’t miss out on the early action with Yankiel Rivera stepping into his first title fight against Andy Dominguez, alongside heavyweight Herich Ruiz throwing down with Mitch Williams, and Aaron Aponte facing Joseph Fernandez in a super-lightweight bout.
Edgar Berlanga vs. McCrory card
-
Edgar Berlanga 167.8 vs. Padraig McCrory 167.8
Shakhram Giyasov 146.8 vs. Pablo Cesar Cano 146.2
Antonio Vargas 117.6 vs. Jonathan Rodriguez 118
Andy Cruz 135 vs. Brayan Zamarripa 135
Yankiel Rivera 111.8 vs. Andy Dominguez 111.6
Aaron Aponte 141 vs. Joseph Fernandez 140.4