Super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is targeting a lucrative year-end fight against Britain’s Chris Eubank Jr. Berlanga views the matchup as a major commercial event, prioritising it over a world title pursuit as he prepares for his July 26 bout.
Ahead of his return to the ring at Madison Square Garden against Hamzah Butler, Berlanga has made his intentions for his next move clear. The focus is not on the division’s champions but on a high-profile event that carries significant financial appeal. Eubank Jr., despite a recent loss to Conor Benn and turning 36, remains a major draw in the United Kingdom, making a transatlantic fight a marketable prospect. Berlanga believes the combination of their personalities would build substantial interest.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Berlanga explained the logic behind his choice. “I think that it’s a good money fight. I feel like it’s a good money fight. He has a name. He has swag,” he said. This highlights a strategy focused on rebuilding his standing and securing a major payday following his own defeat to Hamzah Sheeraz.
The promotional aspect, particularly the verbal exchanges, is a key part of the attraction for the New Yorker. “He could fight and he’s a trash talker. Once you get me in that mode where you’re talking trash, I’m going to go back to the New York Edgar. I think that’s going to be a big fight for us in London. We could do it at the O2 Arena. London is a big market that loves boxing. Between us, the swag and the way we talk and the way we could build up a great fight, I think it’ll be good for the end of the year.”
This plan, however, is entirely dependent on the outcome of his fight on July 26. A victory over Butler is essential to maintain momentum and keep a bout with Eubank Jr. a viable option for promoter Zuffa Boxing. While Berlanga also named fighters like Jaime Munguia and Jermall Charlo as future possibilities, his immediate preference for Eubank Jr. signals a clear career direction. He is pursuing event-based fights rather than methodically climbing the rankings for a mandatory title shot.
