Edgar Berlanga roared loudly following the first 16 fights of his career. While the violent stoppage victories placed the super middleweight contender on the map, Juan De Leon, Berlanga’s new trainer, becomes agitated when his fighter’s knockout power begins to steal all of the headlines.
More than anything, although De Leon knows good and well that Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) is a deadly puncher, after spending the past few months working closely with him, he’s convinced that his brain is just as impressive as his brawn.
“The one thing that he has that nobody can take away from him is the power,” said De Leon during an interview with FightHype.com. “Another thing is he’s a smart kid, he showed me that.”
As of late, Berlanga, 25, has been forced to rely on more than just his physical tools. In four consecutive ring appearances, Berlanga’s opponents have stood up just fine to his normally vaunted power. Most recently, the New York native was pushed to the limit against Roamer Alexis Angulo.
The end results may have been to Berlanga’s liking, however, he’s been openly chastised for his overall performance. Yet, in spite of the dubious voices that have surrounded his career, De Leon believes firmly that not only will Berlanga claim a world title at 168 pounds, but considering his enormous frame, he’ll eventually snag several championship trinkets in multiple weight classes.
“I believe if they take Edgar nice and easy for the next two, three, four fights, I think he can become a world champion. I think he can become champion in 168, 75, and cruiserweight because he has the height.”
Before Berlanga attempts to prove De Leon right, the highly ranked super middleweight contender has work to do in his current weight class. Currently, with the heavy-hitting young star ranked in the top four in both the IBF and WBO sanctioning bodies, he finds himself on the edge of his first crack at a world title.
But, despite his rapid rise up the super middleweight charts, De Leon is hoping that Berlanga’s handlers will take their time with him.
“I believe the next two, three, four fights with Edgar and if he applies what I’m telling him, I think he’ll be ready to fight for the championship. But nice and easy, no rush.”