Shakur Stevenson’s undercard saw one highly-touted fighter suffer a brutal knockout loss in his hometown.
Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda on Saturday night in New York on The Ring’s third boxing card.
In the co-main event, self-professed ‘King of New York’ Edgar Berlanga suffered his second career defeat as he was stopped devastatingly by Hamzah Sheeraz after being knocked down twice in their fight.
One former world champion has had much to say on Berlanga’s loss, and he did not mince his words.
‘You was embarrassing yourself’… Tim Bradley blasts ‘participation trophy winner’ Edgar Berlanga
Former world champion and Manny Pacquiao opponent Tim Bradley scolded Berlanga’s performance, and career as a whole.
Going into the fight with Sheeraz, Berlanga’s sole claim to fame was going the distance in his first defeat to Canelo Alvarez.
Bradley has blasted the braggadocious Puerto Rican, stating, “I knew I should’ve never invested in some participation trophy winner! Damn, Berlanga! I told you not to lose at home!”
“You didn’t just lose, you got knocked the hell out! The hype train is over! Thank god! You was embarrassing yourself, your family, and all Puerto Ricans! You was feeling yourself, I’m glad you got humbled!”
Berlanga blasted Oscar De La Hoya at a pre-fight press conference, and De La Hoya also taunted Berlanga following his loss.
The Ring’s third card also faced criticism, though not from Bradley, for a David Morrell’s controversial win over Imam Khataev, which many believe was the product of flawed scoring.
Edgar Berlanga releases statement after devastating loss
Following his devastating stoppage loss, Berlanga has taken to Instagram to speak his mind on the fight.
“Last night didn’t unfold the way we trained for, prepared for, or envisioned. It was a tough loss — one that felt surreal in many ways. No excuses will be made. We take full accountability, and with that, we also take the lessons.”
Berlanga did congratulate Sheeraz for his big win, before concluding, “Though this moment is heavy, we know it’s not the end. It’s a turning point.”
Berlanga ensured comments were turned off on this post.