Edgar Berlanga isn’t annoyed by anyone who shows a bit of confidence. The New York native is known to beat on his chest from time to time. But hubris is what annoys him.

Hamzah Sheeraz failed in his attempt to become a middleweight world champion. But while he could have gone back to the well and gotten another crack at Carlos Adames following their split decision draw, Sheeraz looked down at the scales and groaned. Making 160 pounds has never been easy for the British native. So instead of putting himself through another arduous weight cut, he’s moved up in weight and take on Berlanga.

From the moment their showdown was announced for July 12 in New York, Sheeraz had a new pep in his step and a defiant look in his eye. When the two officially met face-to-face, Berlanga noticed it, leading to a heated exchange of words. When the 27-year-old calmed down and regained his composure, he explained why Sheeraz got under his skin.

“This my city,” said Berlanga to The Ring. “He from over there. This a different kind of energy.”

Berlanga has an end game of sorts, one that revolves around Canelo Alvarez. The two initially got it on in September, with the champion picking up a lopsided decision win.

Eventually, the Puerto Rican star is hoping that they can run things back but for now, his focus is on Sheeraz.

Winning, of course, is the most important thing but looking impressive in the process is what Berlanga needs to turn heads. His recent first-round victory over Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz was ridiculed for various reasons but Berlanga doesn’t see it that way. The way he views it, he’ll use what some would categorize as a tainted victory and attempt to do the same thing against Sheeraz.

“I’m knocking him out.”