Edgar Berlanga reclaimed his winning momentum on a night that will be remembered by fans of the sport, as he managed to pull himself up from a knockdown and stop Steven Butler in the seventh round of an electrifying Zuffa Boxing super‑middleweight bout held at the storied Madison Square Garden. The fight marked a crucial turning point for Berlanga, who entered the ring still haunted by a knockout loss he suffered a year earlier at the hands of Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz. That memory loomed over him, and the early stages of the night seemed to confirm his worst fears when Butler sent him to the canvas in the final seconds of the second round. The knockdown was the spark that ignited a fierce exchange.
Rather than retreat, Berlanga surged forward with renewed aggression, unleashing a relentless barrage of heavy punches that forced Butler onto the defensive. He peppered the British fighter with a series of powerful blows, each one designed to test Butler’s resolve and stamina. The atmosphere in the arena grew electric as spectators watched the two athletes trade blows, each round becoming a test of will and endurance.
In a surprising twist, Butler attempted to break the rhythm by employing an MMA‑style takedown, a move rarely seen in traditional boxing. The maneuver, however, proved ineffective against Berlanga’s superior boxing technique and footwork. The most productive moments for Butler came at the close of the third round, when he landed two solid punches that momentarily shifted the momentum.
Yet, Berlanga quickly regained control, delivering cleaner, heavier shots that began to dictate the pace of the contest. The back‑and‑forth battle continued unabated. Throughout rounds four, five, and six, Berlanga consistently landed the more precise and forceful punches, while Butler struggled to find an answer.
In the sixth round, Berlanga unleashed a flurry of right hands that culminated in a decisive knockdown, sending Butler crashing to the canvas. The crowd roared as the referee began the count, and it became clear that the tide had turned irrevocably in Berlanga’s favor. At the start of the seventh round, Butler managed to land a sizable right hand, offering a brief glimpse of resistance.
However, Berlanga responded with a devastating combination that left Butler defenseless. The onslaught was so overwhelming that the referee was forced to intervene, halting the fight and awarding Berlanga a technical knockout victory. This win marked Berlanga’s 24th career triumph and extended his flawless record at Madison Square Garden to six victories without a loss, a notable achievement that underscores his growing legacy in the sport. In the post‑fight interview, a confident Berlanga expressed his belief that the victory cemented his status as a true champion.
"It shows I'm a true champion, and I'm not scared of fighting anyone," he said. He emphasized his desire to face top‑tier opponents, specifically naming Hamzah Sheeraz, Jaime Munguia, Chris Eubank, Jermell Charlo, and Caleb Plant as fighters he wishes to challenge in order to prove his place among the elite of the super‑middleweight division. Beyond the main event, the co‑main card featured former super‑lightweight world champion Richardson Hitchins, who made an emphatic statement in his debut at welterweight.
Hitchins outclassed Ricardo "Magic Man" Salas with a unanimous decision, earning three perfect 100‑90 scorecards. His speed, reach, and precision jab kept Salas at bay throughout the bout, allowing Hitchins to dictate the tempo and showcase his adaptability in a higher weight class. Hitchins, riding the wave of his dominant performance, immediately set his sights on the division’s marquee names.
He issued a bold challenge to the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devon Haney, and Ryan Garcia, 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." The night’s events highlighted the depth of talent currently populating the super‑middleweight and welterweight divisions, and they underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and ambition in the sport. Berlanga’s ability to rebound from a knockdown and secure a stoppage demonstrates his mental fortitude and technical skill, qualities that will be essential as he pursues higher‑profile matchups and potential title opportunities. Meanwhile, Hitchins’ seamless transition to welterweight signals that he may soon become a formidable contender in that weight class as well.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate a packed schedule of high‑stakes fights in 2026, with major promotions promising marquee matchups and streaming options that cater to a global audience. Platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free streaming, while podcasts like Toe2Toe continue to provide in‑depth analysis and commentary on the sport’s latest developments. As the boxing calendar fills with anticipated bouts, the narratives forged in the ring—like Berlanga’s redemption and Hitchins’ ascent—will continue to shape the sport’s evolving storylines. In summary, Edgar Berlanga’s seventh‑round stoppage of Steven Butler not only added another victory to his impressive record but also signaled his readiness to take on the biggest names in the division.
His performance, coupled with Richardson Hitchins’ dominant welterweight debut, sets the stage for an exciting year of competition, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in these fighters’ careers.