Berlanga, Hitchins Win in Zuffa Boxing New York Event

Event Overview: Zuffa Boxing 09

Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Location: New York, NY

Promoter: Zuffa Boxing

Main Event: Edgar Berlanga vs. Steven Butler

Result: Edgar Berlanga def. Steven Butler via TKO (Round 7, 1:14)

Edgar Berlanga vs. Steven Butler

Round 1–2 : Fast start; Butler drops/hurts Berlanga in round 1

Round 3–5 : Heavy slugfest; both land power shots

Round 6 : Berlanga scores clean left hook knockdown

Round 7 : Berlanga halts Butler at 1:14 (TKO)

Bout Summary

Early Drama: Berlanga opened up boxing sharply behind a measured jab, but Butler quickly turned the fight into a firefight by landing a big right hand that sent Berlanga to the canvas late in the opening round.

Mid-Fight Slugfest: Driven into a brawl, Berlanga relied on his natural power. Both fighters traded heavy leather through rounds 3–5, with Butler landing solid right hands while Berlanga responded with clubbing hooks and body shots.

Turning Point: In the 6th round, Berlanga created space by stepping back and landing a crisp left hook, sending Butler down for the fight’s decisive knockdown.

The Finish: Berlanga pressed the advantage in round 7, forcing referee Eric Dali to step in and halt the contest at 1:14.

Co-Feature: Richardson Hitchins vs. Ricardo Salas

Result: Richardson Hitchins def. Ricardo Salas via Unanimous Decision (100–90 x3)

Richardson Hitchins vs. Ricardo Salas

Rounds 1–4 : Hitchins establishes jab, Philly shell defense

Rounds 5–8 : Body-to-head combinations, heavy swelling on Salas

Rounds 9–10 : Complete tactical dominance down the stretch

Result : 100-90, 100-90, 100-90 (Unanimous Decision)

Bout Summary

Defensive Masterclass: Hitchins put on a technical display from the opening bell, utilizing his jab, shoulder roll, and Philly shell defense off the ropes to neutralize Salas' aggressive attack.

Offensive Precision: Hitchins consistently mixed accurate right hands with body shots before upstairs combinations, causing pronounced swelling under Salas’ eyes as the rounds progressed.

Unanimous Sweep: Hitchins remained in total control through all 10 rounds, earning a clean 100–90 sweep on all three judges' scorecards to stay undefeated.