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Edgar Berlanga demolishes Eric Moon in 62 seconds, pushes first round KO streak to 14

Edgar Berlanga vs. Eric Moon. Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Fighters Network
21
Jul

Another fight, another first-round knockout victory for hard-hitting Edgar Berlanga, Jr.

The unbeaten super middleweight stopped Eric Moon Tuesday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Berlanga, who is originally from Puerto Rico and now resides in Brooklyn, New York, improves to 14-0, 14 knockouts.

Berlanga had not fought since knocking out Spain’s Cesar Nunez in the opening round on December 14 in New York City.

On paper, Moon was considered to be a modest challenge, one where Berlanga was hoping to get rounds. Berlanga understood Moon was not one to be overlooked.



“It was a step-up fight,” said Berlanga after the fight. “We were in the Olympic trials together. I was ready for this fight.”

Moon came out at the opening bell with the intent of taking the fight to Brelanga. He was able to hang in the pocket, but Berlanga’s punching power began to take its toll.

Berlanga backed Moon in a corner, where he ripped a left-right combination to the body, followed up with right cross to the head. Berlanga followed up with another right cross that landed to the chin of Moon, dropping him to the canvas. Moon struggled to get up, prompting referee Kenny Bayless to immediately stop the fight at 1:02.

Berlanga did tell The Ring in a pre-fight interview that he is comfortable for now as a super middleweight, where he is confident he can build a solid resume. Berlanga believes he can overcome challenges before a shot at a world title fight.

“I’m looking forward to a (world) title, (but) I still want to grow,” said Berlanga, who is trained by Andre Rozier and managed by Keith Connelly. “There are still a lot of challenges at 168 pounds that I need to go through before I challenge for a world title.”

Moon, who resides in Marietta, Georgia, drops to 11-3, 6 KOs.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October of 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing

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