Zuffa Boxing Signs Rising Star Berlanga and Champion Hitchins

The move sparks excitement and raises questions about the future of boxing

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:54pm

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An explosive, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the raw energy and movement of two boxers, their faces and identities blurred into abstract splatters of paint.Zuffa Boxing's signing of rising star Berlanga and champion Hitchins signals a bold new era for the sport, with the promotion's commitment to elevating top talent.Brooklyn Today

Zuffa Boxing has signed two highly regarded fighters, Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins, to their roster. Berlanga, a Brooklyn-based fighter with an impressive 23-2 record and 18 knockouts, is a rising star, while Hitchins is a seasoned champion holding the IBF junior welterweight title. The signings showcase Zuffa's commitment to elevating the sport and providing a platform for top talent, but also raise questions about the promotion's relationship with established boxing organizations.

Why it matters

The signing of Berlanga and Hitchins by Zuffa Boxing is a significant development in the boxing landscape, as it demonstrates the promotion's willingness to challenge the status quo and potentially shape the future of the sport. The move raises questions about Zuffa's vision for boxing and the potential impact on the industry.

The details

Edgar Berlanga, a Brooklyn-based fighter, has quickly risen through the ranks with an impressive 23-2 record and 18 knockouts. His recent loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2024 showcased his potential and determination. Meanwhile, Richardson Hitchins is a seasoned champion, holding the IBF junior welterweight title. His victories over Liam Paro and George Kambosos Jr. have solidified his status as a top fighter. The common thread between the two is their management by Keith Connolly, who has also guided the career of Conor Benn, another Zuffa Boxing signee.

  • Berlanga and Hitchins were signed by Zuffa Boxing in April 2026.
  • Berlanga's loss to Canelo Alvarez occurred in 2024.
  • Hitchins was set to defend his IBF junior welterweight title against Oscar Duarte, but the fight was pulled due to illness.

The players

Edgar Berlanga

A Brooklyn-based fighter with an impressive 23-2 record and 18 knockouts, Berlanga is a rising star in the boxing world.

Richardson Hitchins

A seasoned champion, Hitchins holds the IBF junior welterweight title and has demonstrated his prowess in the ring with victories over Liam Paro and George Kambosos Jr.

Keith Connolly

The manager of both Berlanga and Hitchins, Connolly has also guided the career of Conor Benn, another Zuffa Boxing signee.

Jai Opetaia

Zuffa Boxing sanctioned Opetaia's fight for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing Cruiserweight Championship, despite the IBF's initial refusal, showcasing the promotion's determination to establish their own standards.

Canelo Alvarez

Berlanga lost to Canelo Alvarez in 2024, but the fight demonstrated his potential and determination.

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What they’re saying

“The Monster is back.”

— Edgar Berlanga

“I'm eager to prove myself as a pound-for-pound fighter.”

— Richardson Hitchins

“Keith has been a great guide and mentor for us.”

— Edgar Berlanga

What’s next

The impact of Zuffa Boxing's decision to sign Berlanga and Hitchins will be felt across the industry, and it remains to be seen how the promotion's relationship with established boxing organizations, such as the IBF, will evolve.

The takeaway

Zuffa Boxing's signing of Berlanga and Hitchins demonstrates the promotion's willingness to challenge the status quo and potentially shape the future of boxing. The move raises questions about Zuffa's vision for the sport and the potential for a new era of promotions that could disrupt the traditional boxing landscape.