Boxing figure Oscar De La Hoya claims he intentionally tried to agitate Edgar Berlanga, suggesting he lacks “mental fortitude” as he approaches his contest against Hamzah Sheeraz on Saturday, July 12th, in Queens, New York.
In an attempt to unsettle him, De La Hoya arranged for a gemologist to evaluate the jewelry Berlanga wore at the final press briefing. The expert determined it to be entirely artificial, stating it was merely imitation jewelry, akin to a child’s costume accessory.
Oscar Expresses Concerns About Berlanga’s Composure
Berlanga visibly reacted when De La Hoya repeatedly reminded the media that he has never secured a world title and has yet to present his passport to verify his claimed Puerto Rican heritage.
Should Edgar perform as he did against Canelo Alvarez, he stands little chance of defeating Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) in their WBC super middleweight title eliminator at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
“He’s not in a sound state of mind,” De La Hoya conveyed to the Ring Magazine YouTube channel. “So, I felt the need to provoke him. I brought in a jewelry specialist, Isaac, a reputable figure in New York for diamond authentication. Isaac, were those diamonds genuine?”
“Oscar, those diamonds are unequivocally fake,” Isaac responded.
“Thank you for confirming their authenticity to the public,” De La Hoya remarked. “I wanted to demonstrate to Berlanga that he’s now in the major leagues. This isn’t a situation where you fight Canelo, lose every round, and celebrate as if you won. I’ve been requesting your passport, and you’re unable to provide it. I’m likely more Puerto Rican than Berlanga himself. I resided on the island for seven years.”
De La Hoya speculates that Berlanga’s gold is also counterfeit. He believes that wearing extravagant jewelry is a superficial tactic to appeal to a specific demographic of fans, but it’s unfortunate if it’s all imitation.
De La Hoya is displeased that Berlanga presents himself as Puerto Rican, despite being born in the U.S. and never having lived there, contrasting with his own experience of being married to someone from the island.
Sheeraz Has Potential to KO Berlanga
“I anticipate Sheeraz having a strong opportunity to overcome Berlanga, silence his boasts, and establish himself as a legitimate contender,” De La Hoya stated.
If Sheeraz can weather Berlanga’s initial power, he undoubtedly possesses the ability to knock him out. Berlanga faced difficulties against journeymen like Marcelo Coceres, Roamer Alexis Angulo, and Steve Rolls.
His former promoter, Eddie Hearn, arranged matchups with two lesser opponents to secure him the Canelo Alvarez fight, which he ultimately didn’t earn, and he lost every round. Besides Canelo, Sheeraz represents the most formidable opponent Berlanga will have faced.
