Another big-name boxer appears on the cusp of joining Zuffa Boxing — Edgar Berlanga.
Zuffa sent shockwaves through the combat sports industries earlier this year when it seemingly seized upon an Eddie Hearn “mistake” to lure Conor Benn from Matchroom in a reported $15 million, one-fight deal that will likely be extended beyond that term. The British slugger joins Callum Walsh, Jose Velanzuela, Ivan Dychko, Jai Opetaia, and Robert Meriwether III among other talents at the Las Vegas-based promotion.
But the roster is by no means complete, and, just days after Shakur Stevenson played down speculation he was considering a three-fight, $60 million deal from Zuffa, the rumor mill continues to churn, with super middleweight puncher Berlanga supposedly the next in line.
Interest between Zuffa and Berlanga has merit, as the Puerto Rican banger’s manager, Keith Connelly, helped usher another of his clients, Benn, to the upstart fight firm.
And, during the DAZN broadcast of the Arnold Barboza vs Kenneth Sims event at Honda Center in Anaheim, presenter Chris Mannix suggested “discussions” were underway.
While Berlanga and Zuffa could get over the line, the same may not be said of another Connelly fighter, Richardson Hitchins, who reportedly looked at the strange situation Opetaia found himself in recently, and seemingly doesn’t want the same for himself.
According to Ring Magazine, it all amounted to the Cold War between Zuffa and its promotional belt, and the sanctioning bodies with their more established titles. For Hitchins, who wants to retain his IBF championship, a move to Zuffa could seemingly complicate that considering the hostilities between the old and the new guard.
Regardless, that may not stop them from acquiring Berlanga, or, indeed, Shakur Stevenson, who recently responded to rumors Zuffa had offered him a $60 million deal for three fights. Stevenson, like his mentor Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford, is more skeptical of the sanctioning bodies and could be more motivated at the notion of prizefighting rather than belt accumulation.
See Zuffa’s roster right here:
NOW READ THIS:
Oleksandr Usyk Team Comment on Rumor They Signed With Zuffa Boxing
