Edgar Berlanga reclaimed his winning momentum on Saturday night, rising from a knock‑down to stop Steven Butler in the seventh round of a high‑octane Zuffa Boxing super‑middleweight bout held at Madison Square Garden. The fight, billed as a pivotal moment in Berlanga's career, showcased his resilience and power, ultimately delivering a dramatic finish that left fans buzzing.
A year after suffering a knockout loss to Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz, Berlanga found himself on the brink of another defeat when Butler sent him to the canvas in the final seconds of the second round. That moment proved to be the catalyst for a ferocious comeback. As soon as he got back to his feet, Berlanga unleashed a barrage of heavy punches, turning the fight into a relentless exchange that forced Butler to scramble for survival. The Argentine‑American fighter's aggressive pressure was relentless, and he peppered Butler with a series of crushing blows that tested the British opponent's durability.
In an unexpected twist, Butler attempted an MMA‑style takedown, hoping to disrupt Berlanga's rhythm and perhaps gain a positional advantage. The move was a clear signal of desperation, as Butler realized he was being out‑matched in the striking department.
Though the takedown attempt was bold, it ultimately failed to change the tide of the contest. Instead, Butler found a brief window of success at the end of the third round, landing two solid shots that gave him a momentary edge as the bell rang. Those punches, however, were insufficient to offset the damage he had already sustained. The back‑and‑forth action continued through the middle rounds, with both fighters trading heavy, clean blows.
Berlanga's punches were consistently heavier and more accurate, allowing him to dominate the exchanges. By the end of round six, Berlanga had built up a significant lead, delivering a flurry of right hands that finally sent Butler crashing to the canvas. The knock‑down was a clear indicator that the fight was swinging decisively in Berlanga's favor. Butler showed his fighting spirit by landing a powerful right hand at the start of the seventh round, attempting to mount a comeback.
However, Berlanga responded with a devastating combination that left the referee no choice but to intervene and stop the fight. The stoppage cemented Berlanga's 24th career victory and extended his perfect record at Madison Square Garden to six wins without a loss.
In the aftermath of the bout, Berlanga expressed confidence and ambition. "It shows I'm a true champion, and I'm not scared of fighting anyone," he said. "I fought a dangerous fighter, a big knockout puncher, to prove myself and show people I am back.
We want Hamzah Sheeraz, Jaime Munguia, Chris Eubank, Jermell Charlo, Caleb Plant – we want to fight the best to prove we belong with the best." Berlanga's triumph positions him as a serious contender for future high‑profile matchups in the super‑middleweight division. With a flawless record at the Garden and a clear desire to face top‑tier opponents, he is poised to seek a rematch with Sheeraz or challenge other elite fighters such as Jaime Munguia or Chris Eubank Jr. The victory also underscores his ability to adapt mid‑fight, recover from adversity, and finish opponents decisively. The co‑main event of the evening featured former super‑lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins, who made a compelling statement in his welterweight debut.
Hitchins outclassed Ricardo "Magic Man" Salas with a unanimous decision, earning three perfect 100‑90 scorecards. Utilizing his superior speed, reach, and jab, Hitchins controlled the pace of the fight, preventing Salas from establishing any rhythm. His performance demonstrated that he can transition effectively to a higher weight class while maintaining his technical edge. Following his victory, Hitchins voiced his aspirations to test himself against the division's elite, naming Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Ryan Garcia as potential targets.
"I want the best guys in boxing," he declared. "Give me Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia.
They say I'm not like that—come show me I'm not. 21‑0, no draws, no stains on my record.
Come get it if you want it." Both Berlanga and Hitchins used the night to send a clear message to the boxing world: they are ready to step up, take on the biggest names, and cement their legacies. The event highlighted the depth of talent in the current boxing landscape and set the stage for exciting future matchups that fans will eagerly anticipate.