Edgar Berlanga’s New Persona Ahead of Bout
Ahead of his highly-anticipated bout against Hamzah Sheeraz on July 12, boxer Edgar Berlanga is dramatically adopting a new persona as the ‘Mr. Unlikable.’ Known for his previous campaign of humility, the New York native is now opting for a more antagonistic approach during fight week in Saudi Arabia. Berlanga has been engaging in a series of provocative antics that many fans are labeling as inappropriate and off-putting.
Provocative Antics and Backlash
One such incident involved him mockingly grabbing his crotch multiple times while staring down the media and onlookers, a moment that circulated widely on social media. The tension escalated further during the final press conference where Berlanga confronted Sheeraz directly in an intense face-off. Adding fuel to the fire, the Puerto Rican-American fighter took to the internet to insult his undefeated rival by making a racially charged joke about Sheeraz, saying,
“Sheeraz over rice with pita bread please.”
This resulted in immediate backlash and accusations of insensitivity. Despite the criticism, Berlanga remained defiant, dismissing detractors who labeled him a ‘clown.’
Contrast with Previous Image
In a provocative act that symbolized his dramatic shift, he tossed cash at Oscar De La Hoya, the Golden Boy promoter, after issuing a threat to slap him. This behavior starkly contrasts with Berlanga’s earlier image as an emerging star under Top Rank, where he once enjoyed a remarkable streak of sixteen consecutive first-round knockouts. However, after moving to Matchroom following his split with Bob Arum, the fighter has seemed to struggle, both with performance and image, and is seemingly more focused on stirring controversy than regaining his former appeal.
Sheeraz’s Composed Response
As for Sheeraz, the British fighter appears unaffected by Berlanga’s antics and chooses to maintain his composure, preferring instead to let his skills in the ring deliver the message. He enters the fight as the favored competitor, ready to prove himself.
Upcoming Match Details
The explosive match between Berlanga and Sheeraz is set to be featured on the ‘Ring III’ card of the Riyadh Season, supported by Turki Alalshikh, and will be broadcast live on DAZN this Saturday.
