Edgar Berlanga once again proved his resilience and skill, mounting a dramatic comeback to stop Steven Butler in the seventh round of a high‑octane Zuffa Boxing super‑middleweight bout held at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The fight marked a pivotal moment in Berlanga's career, coming exactly one year after his knockout loss to Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz. After being caught by a sharp punch that sent him to the canvas near the end of the second round, Berlanga faced the very real prospect of another defeat. Instead, he used the knockdown as a catalyst, launching a ferocious offensive that would dominate the remainder of the contest.
From the moment Berlanga regained his footing, he began to pepper Butler with a relentless series of heavy blows, forcing the challenger to retreat and defend with increasing desperation. The rhythm of the fight shifted dramatically as Berlanga’s punches grew louder and more precise, each strike echoing through the arena and compelling Butler to cling to survival by any means he could muster. In a surprising turn, Butler attempted an MMA‑style takedown, a move rarely seen in a boxing ring, hoping to disrupt Berlanga’s momentum.
While the maneuver briefly unsettled the rhythm, it ultimately proved ineffective, and Butler’s most successful moment came at the close of the third round when he landed two solid punches that briefly shifted the tide. The back‑and‑forth exchange continued into the fourth and fifth rounds, with Berlanga consistently delivering cleaner, heavier shots.
His superior timing and power allowed him to control the pace, and by the end of round six he unleashed a flurry of right hands that sent Butler sprawling onto the canvas. Though Butler managed to rise, the damage was evident.
At the start of the seventh round, Butler attempted to rally with a powerful right hand of his own, but Berlanga answered with a devastating combination that left no doubt about the fight’s outcome. The referee, seeing the clear danger to Butler, stepped in and halted the contest, awarding Berlanga a technical knockout. This victory marked Berlanga’s 24th professional win and extended his flawless record at Madison Square Garden to six straight successes. The triumph also reignited discussions about his next steps, with many fans and analysts speculating that he may soon seek a rematch with Hamzah Sheeraz to avenge his previous loss.
In post‑fight remarks, Berlanga expressed confidence and ambition, stating, "It shows I'm a true champion, and I'm not scared of fighting anyone. I fought a dangerous fighter, a big knockout puncher to prove myself and show people I am back." He went on to name several elite super‑middleweight names—Jaime Munguia, Chris Eubank, Jermell Charlo, and Caleb Plant—as potential future opponents, underscoring his desire to cement his place among the division’s elite. Beyond the main event, the co‑main bout featured former super‑lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins, who made a bold statement in his inaugural welterweight appearance. Hitchins outclassed Ricardo "Magic Man" Salas with a unanimous decision, employing his superior speed, reach, and precision to dominate every round.
His jab repeatedly snapped Salas back, preventing the Mexican contender from establishing any rhythm. The judges’ scorecards reflected the one‑sided nature of the contest, each reading 100‑90 in favor of Hitchins. Buoyed by his seamless transition to the 147‑pound division, Hitchins immediately turned his gaze toward the division’s marquee names. He publicly challenged top‑tier fighters, declaring, "I want the best guys in boxing.
Give me Gervonta Davis, Devon Haney, Ryan Garcia. They say I'm not like that, come show me I'm not like that. 21‑0, no draws, no stains on my record. Come get it if you want it." His confidence mirrors Berlanga’s, illustrating a broader trend of rising stars eager to test themselves against established champions.
The Zuffa event, broadcast through various streaming platforms, also highlighted upcoming boxing schedules for 2026, inviting fans to mark their calendars for future marquee matchups. Viewers were reminded to use Chrome for optimal video playback, ensuring the best possible viewing experience.
In addition to the fights, the promotion offered a range of supplemental content, including the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, curated boxing highlights, and a contract‑free streaming option via NOW, catering to a diverse audience of combat‑sports enthusiasts. Overall, the night at Madison Square Garden served as a showcase of both redemption and ambition. Berlanga’s comeback victory not only restored his confidence after a year‑long setback but also positioned him as a legitimate contender for future high‑profile bouts. Meanwhile, Hitchins’ seamless move up to welterweight signaled his readiness to chase world‑title opportunities.
As the super‑middleweight and welterweight divisions continue to evolve, fans can expect these two fighters to play pivotal roles in shaping the next chapter of professional boxing.