Somebody’s 0 has to go on Saturday night when undefeated super middleweights, Edgar Berlanga and Padraig McCrory, meet at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. Berlanga is aiming to win back-to-back contests against Irishmen, having secured a decision victory over Jason Quigley last June – an impressive performance that included four knockdowns. Meanwhile, McCrory will roll the dice for the first time in his career when he crosses the Atlantic for a blockbuster headliner.
Earlier in the night, Cuban prospect Andy Cruz will defend his IBF International lightweight title against Brayan Zamarripa Rodriguez in the co-main event. Prospects Shakhram Giyasov, Yankiel Rivera Figueroa, and Herich Ruiz Cordoba also feature on an undercard that promises entertainment from start to finish.
Edgar Berlanga vs Padraig McCrory
A ‘power puncher’ reputation unfairly follows Edgar Berlanga every time that he steps into the ring. The 26-year-old can be guilty of holding his feet at times, especially early in contests, however there have been visible improvements to his game over recent years. Most notably, his use of footwork. While the Brooklyn fighter isn’t the slickest mover, nor does he often use strikes or feints to mask his intentions, Berlanga has started to edge around striking range to walk opponents onto counters. Quigley was wise to the bait early on in their bout, timing a hard counter hook as Berlanga attempted to move out of the pocket. However, the Irishman was caught by surprise in the seventh round when The Chosen One added a left hook when attempting a similar retreat.
In the politest possible terms, Padraig McCrory represents a considerable stepdown in quality from Jason Quigley. The Belfast boxer tends to hold his feet and is more than willing to trade in the pocket. Against an opponent with freak power like Berlanga, such an approach will only lead to pain. McCrory has exhibited the ability to box off the back-foot in the past, having jabbed Leon Bunn to a sixth-round stoppage in Frankfurt back in 2022. He relies heavily on his height to avoid strikes, however, tending to plant his feet and sway backwards. When coupled with his low hands, it is safe to expect Berlanga pressing McCrory to the ropes and landing something significant sooner rather than later.
Berlanga vs McCrory Prediction: Berlanga TKO Round 3
Rest of the Card
Shakhram Giyasov vs Pablo Cesar Cano Prediction: Giyasov TKO Round 8
Antonio Vargas vs Jonathan Rodriguez Prediction: Rodriguez Decision
Andy Cruz vs Brayan Zamarripa Rodriguez Prediction: Cruz Decision
Yankiel Rivera Figueroa vs Andy Dominguez Velasquez Prediction: Figueroa Decision
Aaron Aponte vs Joseph Fernandez Prediction: Aponte TKO Round 4
Herich Ruiz Cordoba vs Joshua Brice Prediction: Ruiz TKO Round 1
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