Edgar Berlanga vs Steven Butler: Will It Be ‘Bing-Bong’ Or ‘Uh Oh’ In NYC on Sunday Night?

When the bell rings on Sunday between Edgar Berlanga and Steven Butler, a lot is on the line. The bout will be Zuffa Boxing’s first event in New York City, held at The Theater Madison Square Garden.

Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs), a recent Zuffa Boxing signee, is among the biggest names to join the upstart. Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins (the co-feature), Jai Opetaia, and Shakur Stevenson are the four notable world-class fighters to jump over to the entity. Berlanga’s first test will not be easy.

The Burden of Edgar Berlanga

Remember 2020? The pandemic hit, we were all broke, and Top Rank’s bubble telecast of boxing on ESPN was king. They ruled the summer and the fall. Among those who benefited most from that era was Berlanga, whose first-round knockout streak resembled that of pro wrestler Bill Goldberg, with a clock appearing on screen to indicate anticipation if he could get an early stoppage.

Then he won a unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson. The aura was somewhat lifted, and belief was strong, but by October 2021, things changed. Marcelo Coceres dropped Berlanga as doubts began to linger, and Berlanga hasn’t quieted those yet. He split with Top Rank, joined forces with Matchroom Boxing, fought Canelo Alvarez, and lost. Berlanga celebrated his loss to Canelo, taking credit for going the distance. Last summer, against Hamzah Sheeraz, he was stopped.

He hasn’t fought since. At 29, what do we expect from him? He has star potential, but he has consistently prioritized money over legacy. Given New York City’s preference for winners, he must win, especially with the New York Knicks’ success.

A once young up-and-comer who still hasn’t won a belt, Berlanga, is now paired with Zuffa Boxing, the latest disruptor in the sport. But do people still believe in him? How he looks on Sunday will define his future in the sport.

Steven Butler Can Punch

Butler (38-5-1, 32 KOs) isn’t a rocket scientist in boxing. He is aggressive and likes to punch. In the build-up to his fight with Janibek Alimkhanuly, he compared himself to Arturo Gatti. Butler probably will never hold a title, but the only people who can beat him are quality fighters.

This is a test for Berlanga.

Butler has a dynamite right hand and the courage to throw it. Berlanga’s biggest enemy is his love of celebrity and a perceived indifference to the sport. Berlanga’s relationship with boxing at times appears to be nothing more than an occupation, whereas Butler’s identity is formed by boxing.

The fight is exciting because Butler has the power to change a fight.

Is Time Running Out For Edgar Berlanga?

Yes, he got a Canelo fight prematurely, but isn’t that more on Canelo and what he is trying to do right now? Sheeraz was his first contemporary opponent, and it didn’t go well. Butler is a top 15 guy, motivated and trying to change his life. Given the current indifference toward Berlanga, is a rebuild possible if he were to lose? Even more so, would he want to climb the mountain again?

Rarely do you see a recent signee who is relatively young and say he is in a must-win fight, but he is. Berlanga needs to win this to keep his momentum and keep New York interested in his fights.

What Does The Eye Test Say?

Unclear. We are uncertain where Berlanga stands in championship boxing, and Butler has fought for belts but has not won them. This feels like a close fight that comes down to who lands first or who throws a better punch.

What Do The Odds Say? 

Berlanga is a 4-to-1 favorite, which is a solid favorite, but also shows some skepticism as the odds are a bit closer than one might think.

Lucas Ketelle

Lucas Ketelle is a boxing writer and podcaster who has appeared on various platforms throughout his career.

See author's posts