Undefeated 20-0 NABO-WBO Super middleweight boxing champ, Edgar Berlanga returns to the ring for a highly anticipated bout against 20-2 Irish juggernaut, Jason Quigley on Saturday, June 24th at Madison Square Garden!
The road to boxing stardom and financial freedom has been a long one for Berlanga. Starting at the tender age of 7, it was his father, Edgar Sr., who enrolled him in the sport, and has continued to support him in his rise through the ranks. Berlanga went on to have a 162-17 amateur record. In 2016, he made his professional debut in spectacular fashion with a TKO victory over Jorge Pedroza. This was the beginning of a 16 fight knockout streak, all in the first round. This earned him the nickname “Puerto Rican Mike Tyson”, as the knockout streak meant he held a record equal to the former heavyweight champion. Nicknamed “The Chosen One” by beloved boxing fans, his 20-0 win streak has garnered him a devoted fan base; and inspired a deep sense of pride within the Puerto Rican community!
He’s become such a beacon for the island, that his bouts have become a mainstay over Puerto Rican Day weekend. However, this bout has been pushed 2 weeks past that traditional date, replaced with Top Rank’s Taylor vs Teo bout which happened on June 10th. Puerto Rican boxing fans were understandably frustrated with the change; and underwhelmed with the match that took place over PR Day weekend.
The bout on June 24th is pivotal in “The Chosen One’s” career for numerous reasons. Berlanga has been out of the ring for a year, recovering from a bicep tear, and a hard fought win over a frustrating opponent. Given those setbacks, he’s been looking sharp in training camp; and he’s hoping to make a statement on the 24th, and put himself in the conversation for a bout against the likes of Canelo Alvarez.
Berlanga’s opponent is a seasoned Irish boxer who’s seen some ups and downs in his professional career.
Jason Quigley, hailing from Donegal Ireland, has a 20-2 record, failing to rise to the occasion in two pivotal match-ups. Besides boxing, Quigley enjoys football and hurling. He’s also become passionate about mental health, promoting meditation and yoga for general well-being.
Berlanga is also adept in humanitarian work. He’s used his platform and finances to provide funding to Puerto Rico during Hurricane Fiona.
He’s also been a long time financial supporter of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that fundraises to support research into pediatric brain tumors. As of recent, Berlanga has also been named a board member for the Cristian Rivera Foundation.
Berlanga has commented that he’s grateful for the resources his career has provided for him so he can feed his family and give back to the community.
His charitable nature and fighting spirit has encouraged Puerto Ricans all across the city, stoking pride in heritage and historical precedent! It’s important to mention that Berlanga has been shown love and support from another Puerto Rican boxing great, Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Recently, Edgar Berlanga was able to meet the legendary boxer in his own right; and Trinidad gave him words of encouragement and mentioned how proud he is of the young boxer.
Berlanga said this moment gave him a new level of motivation going back into the gym ahead of this fight.
Given the speculation and long awaited return of Berlanga to the fight circuit, this Madison Square Garden bout has a ton of attention and starpower behind it.
Tickets are currently almost sold out! Fight fans are encouraged to get a hold of a ticket ASAP! You will not want to miss this historic night!
To purchase a ticket, log onto msg.com. If you cannot make it to the fight in person, you can head to dazn.com to sign up and watch the fight on TV!
