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Referee tackles boxer as Berlanga-Butler fight ends at Madison Square Garden

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 10:52 AM

Last updated Jul 27, 2026

Referee tackles boxer as Berlanga-Butler fight ends at Madison Square Garden

Summary

During the super middleweight fight at Madison Square Garden on July 26, referee Eric Dali intervened decisively to stop the contest between Edgar Berlanga and Steven Butler. With Berlanga dominating in the seventh round, Dali wrapped his arms around Butler, resulting in both tumbling to the mat. The official stoppage came at 1:14 of the round, marking a victory for Berlanga. Dali, who has been a pro referee since 2014, has garnered attention for previous stoppages, emphasizing the need for timely interventions in boxing. This incident adds to the ongoing discussions regarding fighter safety and referee authority in combat sports.

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Key Details

•Edgar Berlanga faced Steven Butler at Madison Square Garden.
•The fight ended in the seventh round due to referee intervention.
•Referee Eric Dali tackled Butler to prevent further punishment.
•Dali has previous experience with notable stoppages in boxing.
•Safety concerns in boxing continue to be a topic of discussion.

Latest Updates

10:52 AMYahoo Sports — Watch: Referee tackles boxer as fight ends at Madison Square Garden

What they're saying

"
Refree Eric Dali wrapped his arms around Steven Butler to keep him from taking more punishment from Edgar Berlanga and the two men crashed to the mat.
— Yahoo Sports

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