Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) is set to face Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) on July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Their super middleweight bout will serve as a WBC eliminator on this intriguing The Ring III card. As we build up to fight night, here are the last three opponents of “The Chosen One.”
Edgar Berlanga vs Hamzah Sheeraz Confirmed for July 12 in Queens
Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz – March 15, 2025
Just before the Austin Williams vs. Patrice Volny main event on March 15 in Orlando, Berlanga faced Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz. “The Chosen One” scored a quick knockdown, and that was the beginning of the end.
Ortiz was soon knocked down again, following a flurry of hooks. Ortiz made it to his feet but fell into the ropes following a well-timed left hook, which prompted the referee to step in and wave the fight off, awarding Berlanga the first-round TKO victory.
Saul Alvarez – September 14, 2024
On September 14, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Berlanga got the opportunity he craved: a showdown against Canelo Alvarez.
It was a relatively quiet start to the fight before Canelo landed a left hook in the third, knocking Berlanga down. “The Chosen One” recovered well and made it out of the round. Berlanga showed bravery throughout the rest of the fight, but Canelo remained in control, winning the exchanges in most rounds.
The scorecard reflected the dominance of the Mexican. Two judges had it 118-109, while one had it 117-110. Despite losing, Berlanga received widespread praise for the courage he showed.
Edgar Berlanga vs Padraig McCrory – February 24, 2024
Berlanga had gone five fights without a KO victory before facing Padraig McCrory in Orlando. After a quiet opening two rounds, “The Chosen One” began to find his opponent more regularly. In the fourth round, McCrory was stunned with a well-timed left hook.
Berlanga increased the pressure from this point and began to walk his opponent down. This increase in pressure ultimately led to the stoppage in the sixth round, with Berlanga landing a big right hand, knocking the Belfast native down. Subsequently, the towel was thrown in, and the referee waved the fight off, awarding Berlanga the stoppage victory.
