Super middleweight star Edgar Berlanga discussed his involvement with the Cristian Rivera Foundation in his exclusive interview with Worldboxingnews.com.
Part three of that discussion focused on Berlanga’s decision to champion causes, which includes serving as a board member for one close to his heart.
WBN asked Berlanga about his connection to the Cristian Rivera Foundation as the knockout puncher plots his next move.
“I became involved with the Cristian Rivera Foundation through a close friend, John ‘Gungie’ Rivera, who founded the organization,” Berlanga told World Boxing News.
“He established the foundation in memory of his son, Cristian, who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma [DIPG], a rare and inoperable brain tumor.
“The foundation is committed to raising awareness about DIPG, funding research to find a cure, and providing crucial support to children and families affected by this devastating disease.”
Asked about others who have joined him in the cause, Berlanga added, “The foundation is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and celebrity board members who are passionate about the cause. These include comedian and actor Kenan Thompson, actor Luis Guzmán, and Hollywood veteran Malik Yoba.
“Also, media personalities like A.J. Calloway and NBC anchor Darlene Rodriguez, music mogul John “Jellybean” Benitez, former politician Fernando Ferrer, and world-renowned artist Danny Cortes, among others.
“We have an important upcoming event: a 5K walk at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx on Saturday, June 21. This event is aimed at raising awareness for DIPG, which affects more than 200 children each year.
“It’s open to the public, and we are expecting survivors, patients, and families impacted by DIPG to participate. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together in support of this vital cause.”
Another event occurs later in the year, at which Berlanga will also appear.
“Our 16th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Gala will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. at Cipriani: 55 Wall St, New York City.
“This event unites celebrities, supporters of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, and DIPG warriors. It all begins at 6:30 p.m. with a red-carpet reception.
“Your seats include hors d’oeuvres, a five-hour open bar, dinner, an award ceremony, and a moving video presentation. Our 16th Annual Celebrity Gala will raise money to support clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.
“The foundation also provides monetary support to families impacted by DIPG and uses funds to spread awareness about this horrible disease.
“The Cristian Rivera Foundation is one of the nation’s largest financial supporters of research and family support for DIPG.
“To date, the Cristian Rivera Foundation has donated over $3,500,000.00.”
Berlanga hopes to return to the ring later in the summer or early fall, following his victory over Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz. Berlanga won the fight in 151 seconds at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, to record a seventeenth career first-round KO.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
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