Super-middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga, currently standing at a promising record, has openly shared his admiration for the Puerto Rican boxing legends Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto. As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Padraig McCrory at Caribe Royal in Florida, Berlanga looks to these icons as models of the charisma and fighting spirit he aspires to embody in the ring.
Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, Berlanga has always felt a deep connection to his heritage, a sentiment that is magnified by his respect for Trinidad and Cotto’s contributions to boxing. Trinidad, known for his ferocious power and engaging personality, has been a significant figure for Berlanga, who sees parallels between Trinidad’s appeal and his own aspirations in the sport. Recalling Trinidad’s epic bout against Fernando Vargas in 2000, Berlanga expressed his fascination with the anticipation and the sheer spectacle of such high-profile fights.
After Trinidad’s retirement, Berlanga’s focus shifted to Miguel Cotto, another Puerto Rican powerhouse who rose to prominence as Berlanga was developing his passion for boxing. Watching Cotto’s fights became a routine for Berlanga, who admired not only Cotto’s skill inside the ring but also his status as a national icon in Puerto Rico. From witnessing Cotto’s battles with Shane Mosley and Zab Judah firsthand at Madison Square Garden, Berlanga found another source of inspiration, fueling his dream to reach similar heights.
When asked about a hypothetical match between Trinidad and Cotto, both of whom were dominant forces at welterweight during their careers, Berlanga chose to sidestep the question. Instead, he highlighted the guaranteed intensity of such a clash, joking that it would require two stadiums to accommodate the fanbase in Puerto Rico. This diplomatic response underscores Berlanga's deep reverence for both fighters, avoiding speculation on who would emerge victorious in a dream fight between the two.
Image Credit: DAZN