Overview
- Zuffa Boxing, which announced the multi-fight deals Wednesday, said both fighters are slated to debut for the promotion this summer.
- Richardson Hitchins holds the IBF junior welterweight title and has been ordered to defend it against mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado, with negotiations reported as ongoing.
- The IBF recently stripped Jai Opetaia after a Zuffa-branded title bout, creating a precedent that could test Hitchins’ belt status if similar conflicts arise.
- Edgar Berlanga joins after parting with Matchroom, seeking a rebound following a 2024 decision loss to Canelo Álvarez and a July 2025 stoppage defeat to Hamzah Sheeraz.
- Both fighters are managed by Keith Connolly in a shift that follows Conor Benn’s Zuffa deal, and an IBF-ordered defense could force cross-promotional talks or a purse bid if the sides fail to agree.