Edgar Berlanga Jr.'s journey to becoming a professional boxer began in the challenging streets of Bushwick. Always full of energy as a child, his path wasn't easy, but with the support of his father and a local boxing coach, he found his calling in the ring. This is the story of how Berlanga Jr. rose to prominence, overcoming family hardships along the way.

Despite the tough surroundings, there was a fighter inside him from a young age. His father, Edgar Berlanga Sr., recognized this and wanted to channel his son's energy into something positive. Before going to prison, he reached out to a friend, Benny Roman, a local boxing trainer, to teach his son the discipline of boxing.

Roman's role was not just to train Berlanga Jr., but also to keep him grounded during his father's absence. Berlanga Sr. missed crucial years of his son's life, serving seven and a half years in prison after allegedly shooting two people. When the incident occurred, Berlanga Jr. was just two days old. After his release, Berlanga Sr. tried to steer his son toward boxing, but his time as a free man was short-lived. When Berlanga Jr. was 10, his father found himself behind bars again, which led him to ask Roman for help once more.

"My dad asked him, 'Please, I'm going away. Please keep Edgar in the gym,'" Berlanga Jr. explained in an interview with Boxing News.

Roman kept his promise, picking Berlanga up every day for boxing practice. However, the consistency wavered as the years passed. By the time Berlanga Sr. returned from prison four years later, his son had drifted away from boxing. While Berlanga Jr. still sparred occasionally, he was more focused on pursuing a basketball career. His father, however, had different plans.

When Berlanga Jr. expressed his desire to play basketball, Berlanga Sr. was quick to persuade him otherwise, encouraging him to return to boxing. "You're gonna be a fighter instead. You're good at it. I'm here, I'm back home. This is how it's gonna be," he told his son.

Berlanga Jr. recalls his father comparing him to the legends of basketball. "You're the LeBron James, you're the Michael Jordan, you're the Kobe Bryant of boxing." With his father back in his life and firmly in his corner, Berlanga Jr. fully committed to boxing. His hard work paid off as he quickly made a name for himself in the super middleweight division. His father, now an integral part of his boxing team, plays a critical role in ensuring his son stays focused and safe in the ring. Berlanga Sr.'s guidance has helped his son take the boxing world by storm.

The Influence of a Father

Edgar Berlanga Jr. credits his father for his boxing success. Berlanga Sr. instilled discipline in his son, even while he was in prison. When he returned home, he knew that his son had a gift for boxing, so he took the lead to ensure that his son's future was in the ring, not on the basketball court. "If it wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now," Berlanga Jr. has said.

Mother's Unwavering Support

While Berlanga Sr. was a powerful force in his son's life, his mother has been a constant presence, providing unwavering support and guidance. Not much is publicly known about her, but Berlanga Jr. has spoken highly of her influence on his character. In an interview with Boxing Social, he acknowledged the challenges his family faced and credited his mother for her strength and resilience in raising him and his siblings. He also shared a heartfelt message on Mother's Day, reflecting on the sacrifices his mother made for him and how her strength helped him through difficult times.

A Family Bond

Edgar Berlanga Jr.'s boxing success is a testament to the power of family. It's not just about talent and hard work; it's also about the support system that surrounds you. Berlanga Sr.'s guidance, Berlanga Jr.'s unwavering commitment to boxing, and his mother's love and unwavering support are the foundation of his remarkable journey.

His father's influence may be the most prominent in his career, but his mother's unwavering support has been equally critical. Berlanga's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with a strong family foundation, anything is possible.