Biting boxer set for six-month ban after attempting to chomp opponent's shoulder
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Edgar Berlanga took on Alexis Angulo in the ring at Madison Square Gardens last weekend, but the fight was marred with controversy after the former attempted to bite his opponent's shoulder
Boxer Edgar Berlanga is reportedly set to face a six-month ban from the sport as well as a fine of $10,000 (£8,100) after attempting to bite his opponent Alexis Angulo. The pair faced off on Saturday in a super middleweight clash at the famous Madison Square Gardens in New York.
As the fight reached the seventh round, a moment of madness clearly took over Berlanga as he appeared to try and bite his opponent when the two fighters were bundled together in a huddle. Despite the incident the fight went on, and the 25-year-old went on to secure victory via a unanimous decision.
Whilst it looked as if Berlanga had escaped unpunished at the time, the Brooklyn-based boxer has reportedly paid for his actions in the days following the clash in the form of a fine and a ban issued by the New York State Athletic Commission.
According to ESPN, the 25-year-old will now find himself $10,000 lighter and will have to spend six months away from the competitive ring. According to the report, Top Rank spokesperson Evan Korn told ESPN that the organisation would accept the ruling.
Whilst the bite went unnoticed by the referee at the time, Berlanga addressed the incident after the fight, admitting he tried to ‘do a Mike Tyson’.
The American fighter claimed he went in with his mouth due to Angulo allegedly using his elbows. He told ESPN: “He was throwing elbows. I was about to do a Mike Tyson on him.
"He kept throwing his elbows and pushing it out. I didn't want to get cut." His defence though clearly hasn't been enough to avoid punishment, and an apology soon followed on social media. Berlanga wrote on Twitter: “I want to apologise for my actions and what I said yesterday about the 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 behaviour. Once again, I do apologise."