Edgar Berlanga started his career with 16 straight first-round knockouts. However, the five consecutive decision victories that followed left many wondering where Berlanga's power went.
Well, in the highest-stakes matchup of his pro journey, Berlanga reminded everyone of the fireworks he's capable of producing. The 26-year-old reverted back to being a knockout artist Saturday night by unloading a looping overhand right to eviscerate Padraig McCrory with a sixth-round TKO at the Caribe Royal in Orlando, Florida, and live on DAZN.
With the victory, Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) became the WBA mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez's undisputed super middleweight crown.
"I want him now," Berlanga told DAZN's Chris Mannix. "We want Canelo next. Look at Eddie (Hearn) right there. He's going to make it happen."
Needing a statement victory to punch that possible ticket, Berlanga methodically began breaking a rugged McCrory down from the third through fifth rounds.
During the sixth, Berlanga repeatedly found a home with his right hand, using the weapon to blast McCrory against the ropes, before unloading the same punch to devastate the Irishman onto the canvas. Though McCrory beat the count, the referee stopped the fight just as his corner threw in the towel, cementing Berlanga's impressive win.
"I knew already I was breaking him down little by little," Berlanga offered. "I didn't want to go crazy until I knew I had him hurt and that's exactly what I did."
Here's how the entire Berlanga-McCrory main card went.