Edgar Berlanga has big ambitions beyond the boxing ring. The 29-year-old Brooklyn star told TMZ Sports he wants to enter WWE wrestling and Hollywood acting.
Berlanga, who faces Steven Butler on July 26 at Madison Square Garden, recently signed with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing.
He said the UFC boss's marketing skills attracted him.
“Dana made the UFC a brand. That's one thing that caught my eye when he came into boxing.
He understands how to market, how to build fighters,” Berlanga said.
“I said, 'Yo, Dana, I'm gonna do my job.
I'm gonna win, I'm gonna look good, I'm gonna catch these knockouts, and continue to build my brand.
One day you'll probably call me like 'Yo, I got a spot for you to do some WWE.'”
WWE and Acting Dreams
Berlanga is serious about wrestling. His dream tag team partner is Damian Priest, a friend of his.
He also wants to act. He nearly landed a role in Creed III but had to withdraw due to an injury.
Opportunities may arise through William Morris Endeavor, the talent agency that owns a controlling stake in TKO Group, which partially owns Zuffa Boxing.
Focus on Boxing First
Berlanga knows success outside the ring depends on winning inside it.
He started his career with 16 consecutive knockouts but lost two of his last three fights, including one against Canelo Alvarez.
Now, with renewed focus, he says he's ready. “I'm feeling amazing.
I'm back better than ever. My sparring, my conditioning, I'm just on a different level.
My mentality now, World Championship time,” Berlanga said.
He will have a special guest by his side when he enters the ring at MSG later this month.
