Edgar Berlanga believes that a fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is an essential ambition to keep him fighting.
Berlanga will fight Jason Quigley at super middleweight live on DAZN on June 24, but his ultimate ambition is to become the first male undisputed Puerto Rican fighter. To do that currently, he would have to fight through Alvarez, who is the current undisputed champion at 168lbs.
Speaking to Chris Mannix on DAZN, the unbeaten 25-year-old American said: “I think it’s an amazing fight, I feel like my team made the right decision. I’m a fighter at the end of the day so whoever my team brings to the table, and they put in front of me, I fight.”
Berlanga has 20 wins in 20 fights, but the last four fights are his only bouts that did not end up with him winning by stoppage.
“Obviously I’m stepping up the competition, I needed that experience, going those 10 rounds,” he explained. “Without me going those 10 rounds, going the distance, I don’t think I would be ready to fight and compete with these top opposition at 168.
“The first 16 knockouts were cool, but I gained experience, a torn bicep, got dropped, fought through injuries all last year, I’m just looking forward to this year.
“It’s been tough, a lot of people don’t know but last year was a tough year for me. I fought my last two fights injured. No excuses at the end of the day we pulled through, we got the victories. I’m back when I need to be.”
Berlanga is now back with trainer Marc Farrait, and he believes it will serve him well.
He continued: “I’ve always said it, Marc Farrait is a custom model, Mike Tyson-Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao, that type of relationship, that type of communication. That type of ring man in your corner is very important, especially when you step inside a big fight.
“To end my career I’ll always have a chip on my shoulder. If I step into a room I feel like 50 guys love me and 50 guys hate me. As long as they watch me, buy the pay-per-views, and tune in, that’s all that matters.”
Inevitably he was asked about the shot at the title, and he claimed: “Of course, if it's not that, why should I be boxing? All the guys at 168 want a crack at him. It’sn ot about money, it’s about legacy, becoming the first undisputed male - obviously my sister Amanda Serrano did it - that’s legendary.
“My first opponent is Jason Quigley, I don’t want to focus on the Canelo fight. I’ve got to focus on June, I’ve had a year layoff. I am looking forward to putting on a spectacular performance and blowing the roof off.”