Edgar Berlanga leads the way on Zuffa Boxing’s New York show on Sunday, July 26, when he faces Canadian contender Steven Butler.
Former IBF 140lbs champion Richardson Hitchins is also on the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden bill against Ricardo Salas at welterweight.
Berlanga, 23-2 (18 KOs) has not boxed since a one-sided loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in New York last July.
Veteran Butler is now 38-5-1 (32 KOs), has won his last four but has career losses to Patrice Volney, Janibek Alimkhanuly, Jose de Jesus Macia, Ryoto Murata and Brandon Cook.
Berlanga and Butler will box a 10-rounder.
“I’ve proven that I’m ready to return to the international stage,” the 30-year-old Butler said. “I’ve fought in Japan, so New York doesn’t intimidate me. In fact, it’s perfect because it’s not too far from my training camp in Connecticut. As for the rest, I’m working hard, and I plan to seize my opportunity in New York. You’ll see. This is my moment.”
Hitchins, like Berlanga – from Brooklyn – is 20-0 (8 KOs) and the 28-year-old will box at 147lbs for the first time having scared wins over Liam Paro and George Kambosos in his last two bouts.
Salas is 24-2-2 (18 KOs), and they will contest a 12-round fight.