When Padraig McCrory fights Edgar Berlanga on February 24 he does so with the knowledge that he “can change his life”.
They fight at Caribe Royal in Orlando, Florida, at a time when Berlanga – his highest-profile opponent – is under pressure to make a statement.
That the Puerto Rican, 26, is nearing a world title fight presents McCrory with the opportunity, in the event of victory, to in turn potentially instead become a challenger, and his promoter Jamie Conlan – who followed his brother Michael to the US to support his career – is equally aware of how transformative his next fight could be.
“He was working on the door no so long ago,” Conlan told ProBox TV. “He is also a fantastic personal trainer; he has great business with a bunch of clientele. He’s still doing the PT stuff as he is preparing for the biggest fight of his life.
“But he really is the everyman – he is the man’s man. It is a fantastic story he has got behind him. He can change his life.”
The 35-year-old McCrory has previously ventured from his native Belfast just once in his 18-fight career, when he recorded a sixth-round knockout victory over Leon Bunn at light heavyweight in Frankfurt, Germany, in October 2022. He returns to 168lbs to fight Berlanga, who outpointed Jason Quigley in his previous fight.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Padraig,” Conlan continued. “It’s a massive opportunity and I genuinely believe we will see fireworks. Padraig McCrory can punch like a mule – so can Edgar Berlanga. It’s a real humdinger.
“It is just such a great opportunity for him to go out to the States and do something he probably never thought he was going to get too. He’s just enjoying every minute of it.”
