“What he’s done in his last several outings is show that he is not just a good fighter, he’s a very good fighter. He’s an elite fighter,” Kellerman said of Hitchins. “Now the question is, can he become a great fighter?”
“I just feel like Zuffa is seeing my career the way I want to see my career,” Hitchins said. “I want a promoter to be screaming. I’m the best in the world. Pound for pound.”
“Edgar started his career with 16 straight knockouts that captured the public’s imagination,” Kellerman said. “No matter who they put you in with, that’s hard to do.”
“He really was the victim of his own success. He had almost no professional experience. Now he’s being put in tougher situations and has to figure it out on the fly.”
Kellerman also referenced Berlanga going the distance with Canelo Alvarez. “That’s very hard to do. It shows a level of character,” he said. “Is the seek-and-destroy guy still in there. That’s going to be interesting to watch.”
“I think now it’s time for me to bring that old Edgar back,” Berlanga said. “It don’t have to be first round, but just breaking people’s faces. Putting them on stretches.”
“They are important pieces. Important bricks in the wall,” Kellerman said. “Most professional fighters can walk down the street and not get recognized. That’s about to change.”
Some fan reaction on X focused on Kellerman’s tone during the exchange.
“Boy Max is trying hard to sell theses mfs” — @Wxggxvxllx
“Max is a salesman” — @CashmereStar
“We are sick to death Of max. ABSOLUTE SHILL” — @SportsAgent11
“16 KOs against taxi drivers, what is #Berlanga’s record against Elites???” — @Peso_Lex
“Max fumbling about with his notes. Probably never heard of either guy.” — @Jimsuts17
“Jeez man” — @dexter13883
Both fighters are expected to debut under the Zuffa banner later this year.
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