Edgar Berlanga

Edgar Luis Berlanga Jr. is an American professional boxer who competes in the super middleweight division. He turned professional in 2016 and built his reputation on a remarkable streak of 16 consecutive first-round knockouts, a feat that made him one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport. Berlanga challenged for the unified super middleweight championship against Canelo Álvarez in September 2024, losing by unanimous decision but demonstrating his willingness to face elite opposition. As of 2026, he holds a record of 23 wins, 18 by knockout, against 2 losses, and is signed to a multifight deal with Matchroom Boxing. Berlanga presents himself as a stylish, confident New Yorker who blends power with boxing skill, describing himself as a boxer-puncher with the mentality of a legend in the making. [edit]

Edgar Berlanga was born on May 18, 1997, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents who had moved from Puerto Rico. He grew up in the city's large Nuyorican community, surrounded by hip-hop culture and the tough realities of life in the projects. Watching Fat Joe on MTV and seeing local drug dealers flash money and chains caught his young attention, but boxing provided a different path. He stepped into a gym for the first time at age 7 and quickly took to the sport. As a child, he idolized Félix Trinidad, the Puerto Rican champion who often fought at Madison Square Garden. Berlanga had a decorated amateur career, logging more than 160 fights and winning medals at the US Youth National Championships in 2013 (welterweight) and 2015 (middleweight), the USA Junior National Championships in 2013, and the US National PAL Junior Championships in 2013. He turned professional in April 2016 at age 18, ready to make his mark. [edit]

Berlanga's professional career exploded out of the gate. By December 2020, he had compiled a 16-0 record, with every single victory coming in the first round. That streak of 16 first-round knockouts made him a viral sensation and drew comparisons to a young Mike Tyson. The streak finally ended in April 2021, when Demond Nicholson took him the distance; Berlanga won by unanimous decision over eight rounds. He followed that with more decision wins over Marcelo Coceres, Steve Rolls, and Roamer Alexis Angulo, showing he could go rounds and still dominate. In June 2023, he outpointed Jason Quigley over 12 rounds, and in February 2024 he stopped Padraig McCrory in the sixth round. That performance earned him a shot at the unified super middleweight championship against Canelo Álvarez on September 14, 2024. Berlanga lost a unanimous decision but gained invaluable experience. He later signed a multifight deal with Matchroom Boxing, parting ways with his previous promoter, Top Rank. [edit]

Berlanga presents himself as a stylish, confident New Yorker who carries a distinct swagger. He describes his approach as classy but with an edge, wearing Timbs with tailored suits and embracing hip-hop fashion. In the ring, he is known for his explosive power and aggressive pressure, but he also wants to be seen as a complete boxer with skill and IQ. He has compared himself to Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran. Fans appreciate his knockout streak and his willingness to take on top competition like Canelo Álvarez. His social media presence reflects his personality, mixing training footage with glimpses of his lifestyle. No official fandom name has been documented. [edit]

Edgar Berlanga's fanbase is a distinctly New York and Puerto Rican phenomenon. His supporters, who pack venues like Madison Square Garden, are drawn to his explosive power and his unapologetic swagger. The fanbase has no formal name, but it is organized around his brand identity, 'The Chosen One,' and his rallying cries, 'YOU CAN DO ANYTHING' and 'always be FIRST!' His Instagram following of 668,000 reflects a dedicated, engaged audience that follows his boxing career and his forays into music, such as his single 'PSALM 23 BABY MAMA.' While there are no documented fan-led campaigns or structured fan clubs, the fanbase's influence is evident in the commercial opportunities it has helped generate, including his lucrative deal with Zuffa Boxing, which Berlanga claims pays more than his Canelo Álvarez fight.

Despite his popularity, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Berlanga and determined that he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, either in the Global Top 1,000 or in any Top-100 scope list. This status, which is subject to change, reflects a fame that is substantial within boxing circles but has not yet translated into a top-tier global ranking. His fanbase, while passionate, remains largely regional, centered in New York and the Puerto Rican diaspora.[edit]

Edgar Berlanga started boxing at age 7 and had over 160 amateur fights before turning professional. His first 16 professional wins all came by first-round knockout, a feat that put him in the record books. He credits hip-hop culture and Fat Joe's MTV videos for inspiring his fashion sense. He describes his style as classy with a New Yorker edge, often wearing Tims with sharp suits. Berlanga has stated that his passion is about carving his last name into boxing history and making the Hall of Fame. He feels a hundred percent Puerto Rican, saying he represents the island and its flag when he fights.

One of the most retold stories from his career is the streak of 16 consecutive first-round knockouts, which made him a sensation and created the legend of 'The Chosen One.' The streak ended in 2021, and he subsequently went 6-1 with just one knockout in his next seven fights, a narrative that reshaped his reputation from a pure knockout artist to a developing boxer.

His 2024 challenge for the unified super middleweight title against Canelo Álvarez is another iconic moment. Though he lost by unanimous decision, he went the full 12 rounds and later used that experience to dismiss Canelo as 'nothing special' when predicting the outcome of Canelo's 2026 fight against Christian Mbilli.

In July 2026, Berlanga made a triumphant return at Madison Square Garden, defeating Steven Butler by seventh-round TKO in what was described as a 'wild ending,' a performance that signaled his comeback after the Canelo loss.[edit]

Berlanga was born to Puerto Rican parents in Brooklyn's Nuyorican community. Most of his extended family still lives in Puerto Rico, and he has said that when he boxes, he represents them and the island's flag. No further details about his parents or siblings are publicly available. As of 2026, he has not publicly shared details about any children or a spouse. [edit]

Berlanga has faced several notable opponents, including Canelo Álvarez, Padraig McCrory, Jason Quigley, Roamer Alexis Angulo, Marcelo Coceres, Demond Nicholson, and Steve Rolls. He was formerly promoted by Top Rank and is now signed with Matchroom Boxing. [edit]

No public information about Edgar Berlanga's dating history or romantic relationships is available. He has not confirmed any partners in interviews or on social media, and no credible reports link him to anyone. As of 2026, his relationship status is unknown. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Edgar Berlanga's net worth at $5 million. His income derives primarily from fight purses, which have escalated as he moved from prospect to title challenger. His bout against Canelo Álvarez in September 2024 was his highest-paying fight, with a guaranteed purse reported in the millions. Prior to that, his fights under Top Rank on ESPN paid him steadily increasing amounts, with purses in the low six figures for main-event slots.

He also earns from sponsorship and endorsement deals, though specific figures are not public. Berlanga's multifight deal with Matchroom Boxing, signed after the Canelo fight, provides a steady income stream for future bouts. He lives in Florida, where he trains, and owns a modest collection of luxury cars and jewelry, but he has not publicly disclosed real estate holdings.[edit]