BN Fight Facts: Edgar Berlanga calls for Canelo fight after stopping Padraig McCory in six rounds | Boxing News

THE RESULT: Edgar Berlanga knocks out Padraig McCrory at 2.44 of round six in their 12-round super-middleweight contest. The result was Berlanga’s first win inside the distance in three years having started his career having won his first 16 bouts in the first round. Berlanga is now the mandatory challenger for the WBA world belt held by Canelo Alvarez.

KEY MOMENTS: For a fight dubbed ‘Shootout’ a punch barely landed in the opening round. Use of the elbow and head by Berlanga in the third proved he doesn’t cope too well with being frustrated during a fight. One round later Berlanga rocked McCrory with a left hand, but the Irishman survived. With less than 30 seconds left in the sixth Berlanga cracked McCrory with a jolting straight right and followed up with another right hand which put the 35-year-old down. Having got up at the count of nine McCory’s corner threw the towel in, and the fight was over.

RECORDS: Berlanga moves to, 22-0 (17) while McCrory tastes defeat for the first time and now has a record of 18-1 (9).

TALKING POINT: The pre-fight chatter of Berlanga being a possible opponent for Canelo in May. It’s hard to justify him being a realistic option because his level of opposition is far off what the Mexican is used to.

QUOTABLE: “It feels great to be back catching a live body. I feel amazing,” Berlanga told DAZN’s Chris Mannix in the ring afterwards. Asked about the importance of getting the stoppage after a run of five fights without one Berlanga said, “It was super important. I told Padraig McCrory I was losing sleep over this fight because of him.” Berlanga was also asked if he believed he has earned a shot at Canelo after this victory. “I want him now. We want Canelo next. Boxing needs a Puerto Rican versus a Mexican star.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Whether Berlanga gets an opportunity to face Canelo in 2024 remains to be seen. Should he have to wait his turn then a step up in opposition is sorely needed for the 26-year-old. McCrory could stay at 168lbs or move back up to 175lbs and has the style to be involved in some entertaining scraps.