Naranjito, Puerto Rico – The World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq. held this afternoon the official belt presentation ceremony dedicated to new WBO Junior Lightweight Female World Champion, Mikaela Mayer (14-0, 5 KOs), from California.

During the event, a special recognition award was given to Super Middleweight sensation Edgar Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs), of New York.

Former World Champions José Pedraza and Alex ‘El Nene’ Sánchez presented Mayer with the world title belt she officially won last Saturday in Las Vegas, by defeating five-time defending WBO World Champion Ewa Brodnicka, of Poland, via unanimous decision.

“She deserves it,” Valcarcel, Esq. said, “She was an Olympian, she has beaten several Puerto Ricans boxers like Kiria Tapia in the amateurs. She is an incredible person and has a great desire to be a world champion. She always told me of her interest in fighting for the title and she made it in a big way against Ewa Brodnicka, who at the time had five successfully world title defenses. It’s a great pleasure and honor to have Mikaela Mayer here”.

Mikaela Mayer:

“My opponent left the belt in the dressing room in fight night. Been here definitely made it very special and thank you all for having me here. I’m enjoying this little trip and excited to represent women’s boxing and the WBO World Champions”.

Berlanga, ranked ninth in the Super Middleweight Division by the WBO, was awarded a special WBO mini belt at the event for his spectacular ring performance. The knockout artist has been victorious in all of his fights via KO in the very first round. Three of his opponents had never been knocked before facing him. Berlanga’s power has been evident, drawing the attention of the fans and the world of entertainment.

“Berlanga has to be a super gifted athlete because having all of his knockout wins in the first round at Super Middleweight says a lot. We are recognizing him on this day to give him motivation and he has a future in our organization. If he matures as he looks, we may have a world champion in the future. The sky is the limit for you,” Valcárcel, Esq. said.

“Thank you all for being here. WBO, Paco, thanks for everything, and soon I will arrive on the island with the world title,” Berlanga said.

The event took place at the Atirantado Bar & Grill, located in the city of Naranjito, Puerto Rico.

Photos by Victor Planas