After biting Alexis Angulo, boxer Edgar Berlanga faces a $10,000 fine and a six-month suspension. The two had a super middleweight match at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
Edgar Berlanga went on to win the fight by unanimous decision. His record currently stands at 20-0.
However, Berlanga seems to be facing a lengthy absence from the ring. He will also have to pay a fine of $10,000 due to his outburst.
The incident in the seventh round was overlooked by the referee. However, it was caught on tape by TV cameras as the two fought in New York.
Berlanga acknowledged after the fight that he wanted to “do a Mike Tyson” on Angulo. However, he defended himself by saying that he wanted to do it only because the latter was supposedly using his elbows.
Berlanga 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.”
Berlanga later expressed regret for his conduct during the match.
“I want to apologize 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 behavior. Once again, I do apologize.”
The New York State Athletic Commission did not seem impressed with Berlanga’s argument. Berlanga has been given a $10,000 fine and a six-month fighting ban. He will not be able to compete again until December.
Berlanga’s actions garnered widespread condemnation.
“If you bite your opponent like you’re a rabid dog you should be disqualified,” promoter Lou DiBella remarked on Twitter.
Trainer Teddy Atlas said, “Berlanga’s record is more impressive than his fighting. I’m going back to UFC fights.”