Zuffa Boxing announce opponents for Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins

Zuffa Boxing recently announced the signings of world-level super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga and then-IBF super lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins. Speculation surrounded who they would face first, and it has now been revealed that they will appear on the same July 26 card at the Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theater in New York.

Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins join Zuffa

Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs) has not fought since being stopped by Hamzah Sheeraz in the fifth round last July. Via a press release, the former Canelo Alvarez opponent said: “Zuffa Boxing is changing the game. I’m here for the biggest fights on boxing’s best platform, here to put the super middleweight division on notice.”

Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) has not been seen since his stoppage win over George Kambosos in June, 2025. He was due to face Oscar Duarte on the undercard of Mario Barrios vs Ryan Garcia, but fell ill after the weigh-in and was vomiting before withdrawing from the fight.

Berlanga and Hitchins opponents set for July 26

Zuffa Boxing continues to strengthen its stable, and the recent signings of Berlanga and Hitchins made the boxing world sit up and take notice. Edgar Berlanga will be eager to return to winning ways against the heavy-handed Canadian Steven Butler (38-5-1, 32 KOs), who has won four consecutive fights. 

In the co-main event, Hitchins will face Ricardo Salas (24-2-2, 18 KOs), who has won six in a row. It has been revealed that Paramount+ will stream both fights as part of a tripleheader, with the opener yet to be announced. Hitchins also relinquished his IBF title to compete at welterweight.

It remains to be seen how successful joining Zuffa Boxing will be for Berlanga and Hitchins. The fights they will have will depend on Zuffa’s desire to work with the governing bodies, which appears to be softening with the news that Aaron McKenna will face Etinosa Oliha at Zuffa Boxing 10 at the 3Arena in Dublin on August 8 for the vacant IBF middleweight world title.

Featured Image Credit:

Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing