Every boxer today has a nickname that sets them apart from others. It’s their calling card, something that is unique to them. Naturally, undefeated former WBO NABO super middleweight champion Edgar Berlanga has a couple of them as well. The 27-year-old Puerto Rican boxing sensation has a major test ahead of him. 

Berlanga will lock horns with Mexico’s pride and joy, Canelo Alvarez, on September 14th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Berlanga stands to acquire Canelo’s WBO, WBC, and WBA titles if he can overpower the Mexican legend. So, before heading into this blockbuster night of punches in bunches, here’s everything you need to know about Berlanga’s nicknames. 

Story and meaning behind Edgar Berlanga’s nickname

Edgar Berlanga, known by his nickname ‘The Chosen One,’ hasn’t publicly shared a specific story behind the moniker. However, the name perfectly fits his meteoric rise in professional boxing. And you know what? Berlanga first gained attention for his incredible knockout power, starting his career with an astonishing streak of 16 consecutive first-round knockouts. Before he knew it, this rare achievement quickly made him a fan favorite, with many viewing him as a future star in the super middleweight division.

So, get this. Berlanga’s early career success sparked comparisons to boxing legends, and his quest to break the record for most consecutive first-round KOs further fueled his growing reputation. Even though his streak ended in April 2021, when Demond Nicholson took him the distance, Berlanga continued to win and proved he was more than just a knockout artist. His victory over former WBO title challenger Marcelo Esteban Coceres in October 2021, despite suffering a knockdown, highlighted his resilience. 

But then, controversy followed Berlanga when he attempted to bite Roamer Alexis Angulo during their June 2022 fight, which led to a fine and suspension. However, Berlanga bounced back, securing a TKO win over Padraig McCrory in February 2024. Now, with a record of 22-0, he’s set to face Canelo Alvarez in his biggest challenge yet.

How did Edgar Berlanga get his second moniker, ‘The Monster’?

So, did you know there’s an interesting story behind Berlanga getting his second moniker ‘The Monster?’ And you would never guess how he got it. So, the story goes, former world champion Timothy Bradley inspired him to give himself the nickname. While appearing in an interview with Boxing PlayHouse Inc. in February this year, the 27-year-old revealed how he got his second nickname.

Berlanga claimed during a fight in The Bubble, MGM Grand, Las Vegas back in 2020 when COVID-19 had taken over the world, he was facing off against a fighter from Mayweather Promotions. And Timothy Bradley had downplayed his ability to get a win against his opponent. So, that motivated him to do his best in the fight.

When he knocked out his opponent in the very first round via knockout, he jumped up in the ropes to scream ‘I am the Monster’ and it seems to have stuck to him since then. “I was looking right at [Timothy Bradley], right in his eyes. I was on top of the ring and he was literally right in front of me just looking at me and I was like, ‘I’m a monster’,” Berlanga recalled. 

That said, the upcoming bout will be Edgar Berlanga’s first major title fight of his career. Whether his nickname helps him beat Canelo Alvarez is yet to be seen, but in case he does, Berlanga may earn another one. What do you think it should be?