With less than two days remaining before the big fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where the unified super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face Puerto Rican Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, discussions among fans and experts have intensified. On one side, some believe the challenger is unqualified and destined to take a beating, while others admire his exceptional power and consider him dangerous, despite the bookmakers’ odds.
At Boxe Punch, we decided to ask someone who has shared the ring with Edgar Berlanga and personally experienced his qualities and the impact of his punches. We reached out to Colombian boxer Roamer Alexis Angulo, who fought “The Chosen One” in June 2022, losing on points. Angulo gladly agreed to answer a few questions.
The South American athlete, who despite his 40 years has no intention of hanging up his gloves, has enjoyed a respectable professional career, having fought in 31 fights, winning 28 of them, with an impressive 23 KOs. Besides Berlanga, the only others to defeat him were the formidable Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez, against whom the Colombian showcased remarkable resilience.
First of all, I’d like to ask what you think about the controversies surrounding the official announcement of the fight we’ll see this Saturday. Many believe that Edgar Berlanga doesn’t deserve this opportunity and that he isn’t ready for such a significant stage. You’ve fought high-caliber champions like “Zurdo” Ramirez and David Benavidez. Do you think Berlanga has the potential to reach the top of the boxing world, or is he still far from the best?
I believe and maintain that any disciplined boxer dedicated to the sport, who works hard consistently and continuously, deserves the opportunity to fight elite boxers and champions, be it Benavidez, Morrell, or even Edgar Berlanga.
The Puerto Rican boxer caught the media’s attention in the early stages of his career by knocking out sixteen opponents in a row in the first round. You’ve experienced his power firsthand: is it as devastating as many claim?
No one without real power could accomplish the feat of knocking out sixteen opponents in the first round, even if they were lesser opponents. It takes serious power to knock out sixteen opponents in the first round, and Edgar Berlanga definitely has it.
I’d like to ask you for a direct prediction: who will win Saturday’s fight, and how?
In my opinion, this fight won’t last until the seventh round. Either of them could knock the other out before then.
I would like to offer my sincere congratulations for the professionalism with which you’ve handled your career. Every time we’ve seen you in action in the ring, you’ve always given your all and proven to be a tough opponent. Could you inform our readers about your future plans? Do you intend to continue fighting?
Thank you very much for your valuable and important observation. Yes, I always give my best, both in and out of the ring, and I will continue to do so in every opportunity I may have in the future. Of course, I’ll return to the ring soon, putting my skills to the test against a prospect or even a world champion.
Roamer Angulo does not count the exuberant challenger out, acknowledging that Berlanga has the skills and power necessary to attempt an upset. We will soon find out if his prediction that the fight will end in a knockout before the halfway point proves accurate, and whether Berlanga will show himself worthy of the great opportunity given to him.