Zuffa Boxing Makes Two Big Signings

Zuffa Boxing continues to shake up the sport. The promotion announced Wednesday that Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins have both signed multi-fight deals, adding two high-profile names to a rapidly growing roster as the company prepares for a major push this summer. Both fighters arrive at pivotal moments in their careers and both are betting on Zuffa to take them to the next level.

Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs), once one of boxing’s fastest-rising knockout artists, is looking to rebuild momentum after back-to-back high-profile losses, including defeats to Canelo Alvarez and Hamzah Sheeraz.

“Zuffa Boxing is changing the game… I’m here for the biggest fights,” Berlanga said. Meanwhile, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) enters as a reigning world champion, fresh off a statement win over George Kambosos Jr. in his first title defense. “This is a major step forward in my career… I’m going to show the world I’m a generational fighter,” Hitchins said.

Fallout from Matchroom Era

Both fighters also share another similarity fractured relationships with Matchroom Boxing.

• Berlanga moved on after a mixed run that included marquee opportunities but inconsistent results
• Hitchins’ split came after tensions with promoter Eddie Hearn following his title defense

Now, both are stepping into a new system with Zuffa aiming to reshape boxing’s structure.

Weight Class Shakeups Incoming

Zuffa’s unique format recognizing only eight divisions could force immediate changes:

• Hitchins may vacate his IBF 140-pound title and move up to welterweight
• Berlanga is expected to transition from super middleweight (168) to light heavyweight (175)

 That means both fighters could enter entirely new landscapes and new matchups almost immediately.