"You're in the lion's den": Berlanga and Sheeraz Trade Barbs at Press Conference

The first press conference for the highly anticipated bout between Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) of Puerto Rico and Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) of the UK took place in New York, and tensions flared quickly.

Edgar Berlanga:

"You know what time it is. I’m going to knock this clown out.

That his manager? This is New York, this is my turf.

His manager? That guy’s lost it. He says Sheeraz is going to knock me out, but even his own fighter doesn’t believe that.

We're here. He says we’re underestimating him — I don’t underestimate any opponent."

Hamzah Sheeraz:

"You’re already talking about fighting Canelo."

Berlanga:

"Shut up. You were gifted that win in your last fight — and you know it. You lost that fight (referring to the bout with Carlos Adames).

Even your coach knows you lost."

Sheeraz:

"Listen, we’re not talking about the past."

Berlanga:

"Your coach knows you lost. And now you’ve picked up Andy Lee — the guy whose fighter I knocked out. I broke his face. Bone by bone. I can destroy both you and Andy Lee on the same night.

Look, Sheeraz… I dropped him four times. That’s even worse. This is New York. This is my house.

I told Sheeraz, 'This is my house.' He’s from London. He came here. I’m the superstar, bro. You’re in the lion’s den.

You heard what my guy said? You’re in the lion’s den. I don’t underestimate any opponent. I’m already at the elite level. That’s why I never step into the ring relaxed against anyone."

Berlanga vs Sheeraz takes place July 12 in Queens, New York (USA).