The tension stems from comments de la Hoya made in 2024 when Berlanga wanted to fight Canelo Alvarez. De la Hoya criticized Berlanga's skill level, called a potential Berlanga-Canelo match "a snooze fest," and claimed Berlanga was "100% American," not representing the Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry.
Berlanga, who identifies as Puerto Rican, didn't forget these remarks. Now, both men find themselves involved in the Ring III card on Saturday, July 12. Berlanga faces Hamzah Sheeraz in a super middleweight bout, while de la Hoya accompanies William Zepeda, who's set to fight Shakur Stevenson.
During the public workout, Berlanga didn't hold back. He looked at the cameras and said:
"F*** you, I'm going to beat you up."
This outburst came after a message exchange where de la Hoya promised "a surprise" for Berlanga. De la Hoya wrote:
"See you on July 10 at the conference. I look forward to you trying to slap me as you have promised."
Berlanga repeated his threat for the DAZN cameras during the public workout, making it clear he won't let de la Hoya's past comments slide.
The upcoming press conference on July 10 might bring a face-to-face encounter between the two. All eyes will be on this event and the subsequent Ring III card on Saturday, as boxing fans wait to see if Berlanga and de la Hoya will finally hash out their differences in person.
This heated exchange adds an extra layer of drama to an already exciting fight card. Berlanga must balance his focus between his upcoming bout with Sheeraz and his ongoing feud with the former Mexican boxing star and founder of Golden Boy Promotions.