Edgar Berlanga reclaimed his winning momentum on a night that will be remembered by fans of the sport, as he managed to get back on his feet after being knocked down and ultimately stopped Steven Butler in the seventh round of a high‑octane Zuffa Boxing super‑middleweight bout held at the historic Madison Square Garden. The fight marked a pivotal moment in Berlanga’s career, especially considering the shadow cast by his previous loss to Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz, a knockout that occurred exactly one year earlier.
In this contest, the stakes were high and the drama unfolded in a series of intense exchanges that showcased both fighters’ resolve and skill. From the opening bell, Berlanga appeared focused and determined to prove that the setback against Sheeraz was a temporary blip rather than a sign of decline.
The early rounds were competitive, but the turning point arrived at the tail end of the second round when Butler landed a clean shot that sent Berlanga to the canvas. The knockdown ignited a fire in the Mexican‑American pugilist, and the moment became the catalyst for a ferocious comeback. Rising quickly, Berlanga began to press his opponent with a relentless barrage of heavy punches, using his reach and power to dominate the center of the ring. He threw a series of powerful hooks and straight rights that forced Butler onto the defensive, compelling the challenger to survive by any means he could muster.
Butler, refusing to be simply a passive victim, attempted an unconventional tactic midway through the third round. In an effort to disrupt Berlanga’s rhythm, he executed a move reminiscent of mixed‑martial‑arts grappling—a takedown that momentarily took the fight to the mat. Though the maneuver was unexpected in a boxing context, it highlighted Butler’s willingness to innovate under pressure.
However, the most effective moments for Butler came when he managed to land two sizable blows of his own just as the third round’s bell rang, briefly shifting the momentum in his favor. The fight’s back‑and‑forth nature persisted into the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds. Berlanga consistently landed the cleaner, heavier shots, displaying crisp technique and a keen sense of timing. His jab set the distance while his right hand, often delivered with a snapping snap, found its mark repeatedly.
By the end of round six, Berlanga had unleashed a flurry of right hands that culminated in Butler’s second knockdown of the night, this time sending the challenger to the canvas for good. Butler managed to recover once more, and at the start of the seventh round he landed a powerful right hand that suggested he still possessed the knockout power to turn the tide. Nevertheless, Berlanga’s response was swift and decisive. He unleashed a devastating combination that left Butler reeling, and the referee, seeing that the challenger could no longer defend himself intelligently, stepped in to halt the contest.
The stoppage awarded Berlanga his 24th professional victory and extended his flawless record at Madison Square Garden to six wins without a loss, a remarkable achievement that underscores his comfort and confidence when fighting in the iconic arena. In the post‑fight interview, an energized Berlanga spoke about his performance and future aspirations. "It shows I'm a true champion, and I'm not scared of fighting anyone," he declared, emphasizing his belief that the victory proved his readiness to take on the sport’s elite. He specifically named Hamzah Sheeraz, the opponent who had previously handed him a knockout loss, as well as other top‑tier super‑middleweights such as Jaime Munguia, Chris Eubank, Jermell Charlo, and Caleb Plant.
Berlanga’s ambition to secure a rematch with Sheeraz reflects a desire not only for personal redemption but also to cement his place among the division’s best. Beyond the main event, the co‑main bout featured former super‑lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins, who made a striking statement in his debut at welterweight. Hitchins outclassed Ricardo "Magic Man" Salas with a unanimous decision, delivering a performance that was reflected in three identical 100‑90 scorecards.
Utilizing superior speed, precise jab work, and a longer reach, Hitchins kept Salas at bay throughout the fight, preventing the Mexican fighter from establishing any rhythm. After the win, Hitchins turned his attention to the next level, expressing a clear intent to face the biggest names in the 147‑pound division. He openly challenged Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Ryan Garcia, asserting his unbeaten record of 21‑0 and demanding that the elite test his abilities. The night’s events contributed to the broader narrative of the 2026 boxing calendar, which continues to be packed with high‑profile matchups and title fights.
Fans can follow the sport’s biggest moments through various streaming platforms, including the NOW service, which offers contract‑free access to live boxing and other combat sports. Additionally, podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and insider perspectives, while highlight reels and video compilations keep enthusiasts up to date with the most exciting moments from the ring.
Overall, Edgar Berlanga’s performance at Madison Square Garden was a testament to resilience, skill, and the unyielding drive of a champion determined to reclaim his standing among the super‑middleweight elite. His victory not only adds another win to his impressive record but also sets the stage for future high‑stakes encounters that could define the next chapter of his career.
As the boxing world watches, Berlanga’s next opponent will likely be a marquee name, and the anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying showdown in the months ahead.