Edgar Berlanga reclaimed his winning momentum on Saturday night, rising from the canvas to halt Steven Butler in the seventh round of an electrifying Zuffa Boxing super‑middleweight bout staged at Madison Square Garden. The fight marked a pivotal moment for Berlanga, who had endured a knockout loss to Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz exactly one year earlier. After a shaky start that saw him hit the floor in the final seconds of the second round, Berlanga responded with a ferocious onslaught that ultimately forced the referee to intervene and stop the contest.
The early knockdown served as a catalyst for Berlanga’s resurgence. As soon as the bell rang for the third round, he unleashed a barrage of heavy, precise punches that forced Butler onto the defensive.
The American challenger, known for his power, attempted to disrupt Berlanga’s rhythm with an unconventional, MMA‑style takedown, hoping to clinch and neutralize the onslaught. While the maneuver briefly shifted the fight’s dynamics, it failed to produce lasting results. In fact, Butler’s most effective moments in that round came when he landed two solid blows just as the bell sounded, briefly flashing a glimpse of his own punching power. The exchange continued to intensify through the middle rounds.
Berlanga’s jab and straight right hand landed cleanly, each shot echoing through the arena as he systematically broke down Butler’s defense. By the end of round six, Berlanga had amassed a relentless series of right hands that finally sent Butler to the canvas. The crowd erupted as the referee began the count, but Butler managed to rise before the count of ten, displaying remarkable resilience.
Round seven began with Butler delivering a big right hand of his own, a moment that suggested he might still have a chance to turn the tide. However, Berlanga answered with a devastating combination—a rapid succession of left hooks followed by a crushing right cross—that left Butler defenseless.
The referee, observing that Butler could no longer intelligently defend himself, stepped in to halt the fight, awarding Berlanga a technical knockout victory. This triumph marked Berlanga’s 24th professional win and extended his perfect record at Madison Square Garden to six victories without a loss. The victory also positions him for higher‑profile match‑ups against the elite of the super‑middleweight division. In post‑fight interviews, Berlanga expressed confidence and a clear desire to face top‑tier opponents, including a potential rematch with Hamzah Sheeraz, as well as bouts against Jaime Munguia, Chris Eubank, Jermell Charlo, and Caleb Plant.
He emphasized that the win demonstrated his status as a true champion and underscored his willingness to take on any challenger. Beyond the main event, the co‑main card featured former super‑lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins making a decisive statement in his debut at welterweight. Hitchins outclassed Ricardo "Magic Man" Salas, securing a unanimous decision with three judges scoring the fight 100‑90.
Hitchins leveraged his superior speed, reach, and technical precision, repeatedly snapping Salas back with a sharp jab and preventing the Mexican fighter from finding any rhythm. The one‑sided nature of the bout highlighted Hitchins’ seamless transition to a higher weight class and his ambition to test himself against the division’s best. He publicly challenged Gervonta Davis, Devon Haney, and Ryan Garcia, asserting his undefeated record of 21‑0 and demanding that top contenders step up to face him. The evening’s events were part of a broader 2026 boxing schedule that promises numerous high‑stakes match‑ups across multiple weight classes.
Fans can follow live streams and on‑demand replays via the NOW platform, which offers contract‑free access to boxing events, podcasts like Toe2Toe, and curated highlight reels. The venue also recommended using the Chrome browser for an optimized video player experience, ensuring that viewers could enjoy the fights without technical interruptions.
Overall, the night at Madison Square Garden delivered a narrative of redemption and ambition. Berlanga’s ability to rebound from a knockdown, dominate the middle rounds, and ultimately secure a stoppage victory underscored his resilience and tactical acumen.
His future appears bright, with a clear pathway toward marquee fights that could define his legacy in the super‑middleweight division. Meanwhile, Richardson Hitchins’ emphatic performance at welterweight signals his readiness to climb the ranks and challenge the sport’s most celebrated names. Both fighters have sent a powerful message: they are eager, they are capable, and they are prepared to fight anyone to prove they belong among boxing’s elite.