Professional boxer Edgar Berlanga was arrested Monday in Polk County, Florida, following an alleged domestic incident with the mother of his child. Berlanga is facing one felony charge of domestic violence aggravated battery and one misdemeanor charge of domestic battery stemming from an event on Oct. 18, as reported by ESPN.
Allegations of Violence
A police report from the Lakeland Police Department states that Berlanga and the woman were arguing in a vehicle after visiting a gun range. The woman alleges that Berlanga “began hitting her with an open hand” before he “retrieved a pistol” and “struck her in the forehead” using the handle of the firearm.
The report further alleges that Berlanga “grabbed her by her left arm” while she attempted to leave the car. The woman eventually found refuge in a convenience store until police arrived. A responding officer later observed a torn shirt, an “apparent bruise on her left inner arm,” and “swelling and bruising on her forehead” while the woman was seeking medical care at a clinic.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties
Berlanga, 29, appeared Tuesday at the Bartow Courthouse, where a judge set his bond at $16,000. He is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Nov. 17. The felony charge he faces carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison.
Professional Background
Berlanga is signed to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing and holds a record of 24-2 with 19 KOs. His most recent fight took place in September 2024 in Las Vegas, where he lost a unanimous decision to Canelo Alvarez in a challenge for the WBC, WBO, and WBA super middleweight titles. In July, he headlined an event at Madison Square Garden, winning by seventh-round knockout against Steven Butler.
