Edgar Berlanga says he’s not interested in fighting David Morrell or Caleb Plant for his next fight. Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) feels that his fight against Canelo Alvarez two weeks ago on September 14th proved that he’s the “next PPV star” and the “cash cow” at 168.
Morrell and Plant would likely destroy Berlanga, as would Diego Pacheco, Christian Mbilli, Osleys Iglesias, Trevor McCumby, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Bektemir Melikuziev and Erik Bazinyan.
Berlanga is a good bottom-feeder-level contender at 168 and should never have been ranked #1 by the WBA. That was more popularity junk based on Berlanga’s fans in New York City.
Despite losing 12-0 to Canelo, Berlanga wants Jaime Munguia or Jermall Charlo next. Berlanga feels that a fight between him and Munguia would be big on PPV due to the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, which still exists in pockets in the U.S.
Berlanga has adopted the villain role in his career, a professional wrestling-type persona that many fighters now use to gain a following. The villain role dates back to the 1940s when wrestler Gorgeous George adopted it to become famous.
He heavily influenced Muhammad Ali, and many boxing and professional wrestling athletes have taken the role. Berlanga is just the latest. It involved a lot of bragging, taking shortcuts by avoiding tough competition, and using fouling during fights.
Popular Villian type Fighters:
– Shakur Stevenson
– Keyshawn Davis
– Adrien Broner: *Faded and lost much of his appeal
– Devin Haney
– Ryan Garcia
It’s unclear why he’s included the soon-to-be 35-year-old Charlo to his short list, considering that he’s fought only once in the last three years, and the popularity that he once enjoyed during his active years has evaporated. Berlanga vs. Jermall wouldn’t sell on PPV at this point.
“F*** Caleb Plant. Morrell, f*** Morrell too. Munguia is the guy, and Charlo, too,” said Edgar Berlanga to the media, saying he wants Jermall Charlo and Jaime Munguia next.
“Listen, I’m the cash cow now, and Plant knows it. He said it. ‘Edgar is the only one right now at 168 that we can make the bag.’ So, I’m the bag, do you hear me? I’m the next PPV [star],” said Berlanga.
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