NYSAC Suspends Berlanga For His Attempted Bite
After the win over Alexis Angulo last weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York, Super Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) is facing a suspension and a fine from the New York State Athletic Commission for his attempted bite in the seventh round against his opponent. According to Mike Coppinger of ESPN, the suspension of the Top Rank promoted Berlanga could take place this Friday. Just how long the suspension will be is still unknown at this time. ” A member of the New York State Athletic Commission, who requested anonymity to speak on the matter because there isn’t yet an official decision, confirmed to ESPN that the incident is being reviewed. An official decision on the particulars of the discipline is expected by Friday,” said Mike Coppinger on ESPN. Win by Unanimous Decision Berlanga defeated the 38-year-old Angulo (27-3, 23 KOs), but it was a questionable 10-round unanimous decision win that many boxing fans felt that Angulo deserved the win and, if not a victory, a draw. It appeared that Berlanga was frustrated by Angulo taking the fight to him and out-slugging him virtually the entire bout. In the seventh round, Berlanga attempted to bite Angulo on the neck. It was not a good round for Berlanga, as he was getting worked out over by his b-side opponent. Lucky for him, the referee wasn’t penalized Berlanga for his act, on the contrary, judges Bernard Bruni (98-92), Ken Ezzo (99-91), and Don Trella (99-91) all had Berlanga comfortably ahead in this fight. Most viewers and ringside observers saw it as a more competitive affair than the scores suggested. “I want to apologize for my actions and what I said yesterday about Mike Tyson bite. I was in the moment and I got a little ahead of myself. It doesn’t take away from the embarrassment that I have caused upon myself, my team (Top Rank), and many others.” “I reacted poorly and take full responsibility. Moving forward, I am going to be more mindful and encouraging in my behavior. Once again, I do apologize.” Berlanga stated in a two-part tweet this past Sunday.
