Zuffa Boxing 09 -- Edgar Berlanga vs. Steven Butler: Start time, fight card, predictions for event in NYC
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- Edgar Berlanga returns from a one-year layoff and 2025 knockout loss to face Steven Butler in the main event, aiming to revive his 168-pound title aspirations with a more technical approach.
- Steven Butler embraces underdog status ahead of his bout with Berlanga, citing his aggressive 'Bang Bang' style and recent six-fight win streak, including a first-round KO of Steve Rolls.
- Richardson Hitchins moves up to welterweight for his first fight since vacating his IBF junior welterweight title, facing Ricardo Salas in the co-main event with a 20-0 record on the line.
- Ricardo Salas enters on a six-fight win streak with five stoppages, vowing to pressure Hitchins and disrupt his rhythm with body attacks and sneaky combinations.
- Sergiy Derevyanchenko makes his Zuffa debut against Jalil Hackett after a 2025 win over Jeremy Ramos, seeking resurgence after four failed title challenges against top-tier middleweights.
- Otto Wallin returns to face Vladyslav Sirenko in a heavyweight bout, bringing experience from fights with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora into the new promotion.
Why it matters: Berlanga’s performance against a durable puncher like Butler determines whether he remains a contender or fades after high-profile losses, while Hitchins’ jump to welterweight tests if his elite footwork and jab can overcome stronger opposition in a deeper division.
