New York native and proud Puerto Rican Edgar "The Chosen One" Berlanga has long dreamt of headlining in his hometown on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend and he will get his wish.
Berlanga will face off with Colombia’s Alexis Angulo on June 11 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a 10-round super middleweight contest live on ESPN. He will defend his NABO super middleweight belt in his 20th professional fight against the two-time former world title contender.
In honor of Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, which is making its return following a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Berlanga will top a full card of Puerto Rican boxers.
“It means a lot. I’m thankful for the opportunity to once again be headlining in my hometown,” Berlanga said. “This is a dream come true for me to be able to do what Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad did, fighting on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. It’s a blessing and I’m happy.”
Berlanga and his team chose to hold his training camp for the June 11 fight in Puerto Rico, and he has enjoyed being on the island over the past several weeks. “I felt like it was good to do my camp here for this fight. I just wanted to show my face and let the people know that I’m here and that I really do love them and support them,” he said.
He has even gotten the chance to visit with two Puerto Rican legends during his time on the island, going for a jog with Trinidad shortly after his arrival, and visiting with Cotto during a training session at his gym in Caguas. The super middleweight prospect is extremely appreciative of their support and hopes to continue the strong legacy of Puerto Rican champions.
Representing his Puerto Rican roots has been important to Berlanga since he was a child. “It’s my blood and the roots of my family. Generations of my family run through the island. We come from a small island but so many great champions have come from here and I want to fill those shoes,” Berlanga added.
He celebrated his 25th birthday on May 18 while he was in training camp but remained focused on the task at hand.
The June 11 bout will be Berlanga’s second main event at the Hulu Theater following a victory over Steve Rolls in front of a sold-out crowd on March 19.
Berlanga-Angulo and the Xander Zayas- Ravshan Hudaynazarov co-main event will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT following undercard action on ESPN+.
