Edgar Berlanga has commented on his recent private-made-public exchange with former super-middleweight world champion, Billy Joe Saunders.
Saunders is in the market for an opponent after a long break from the sport following a loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2021 – the first of his career.
Whilst many believed he would target a domestic rival for his return, he recently shared a direct message exchange with the undefeated Berlanga in which he asked him to be his comeback opponent.
The Brooklyn native didn’t take kindly to Saunders’ insults, and brought up the Brit’s nasty eye injury sustained in the Canelo defeat.
In an interview with Matchroom, he has now addressed the messages, saying he’s flattered.
“Billy Joe Saunders is a f**king muppet. That dude is a clown man. He hit me up at like 4 in the morning – the time difference is different over here – he started talking crazy. But I know him. He’s a joke, he’s a character. He likes to sell fights. He likes to talk sh*t and do his movie.
I was just laughing. I’m glad that I’ve got those type of people hitting me, it just goes to show what type of fighter I am. Him, I had Rocky Fielding hitting me too – he was just DMing me all sorts of crazy stuff.
Me not having a title and still having a target on my back – it’s obviously something we’re doing that’s good.”
Berlanga shot onto the radar by starting his career with 16 straight stoppage finishes. His three fights since have been unanimous decision wins, and bicep surgery alongside a six-month ban for biting have taken some of his shine.
His campaign is set to be rejuvenated after signing to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. He returns to the ring this weekend to face Ireland’s Jason Quigley over twelve.
Saunders is in light training for a comeback, and is sure to be watching closely.