On July 12th, New York City is set to witness a compelling boxing card that promises to capture the imagination of fans and ignite the excitement of the sport. Featuring prominent names in this electrifying lineup are Edgar Berlanga facing off against Hamzah Sheeraz, Shakur Stevenson defending his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda, along with intriguing matchups like Aberto Puello versus Subriel Matias and David Morrell clashing with Imam Khataev. Each of these bouts showcases unique narratives and compelling stakes, but the most polarizing of them all will undoubtedly be Berlanga vs. Sheeraz, a contest that has raised eyebrows across the boxing community.
The Favoritism Factor: Berlanga vs. Sheeraz
At the heart of the controversy lies the relevance and qualifications of the fighters involved in the Berlanga-Sheeraz eliminator. Many fans have voiced their disdain on social media, arguing that neither fighter has done enough to warrant a shot at becoming the mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez’s super middleweight title. This sentiment points to a deeper issue in the sport—a growing perception that boxing’s elite often sidesteps meritocracy in favor of promotional allegiances and commercial interests. Berlanga, a rising star whose reputation has been built on potential rather than accomplishments, faces an opponent in Sheeraz, who has never fought at 168 pounds and entered this matchup after a controversial draw against Carlos Adames.
This narrative raises legitimate questions about integrity in competitive matchmaking and whether either fighter genuinely offers a real threat at the championship level. The match’s construction, seemingly more about business than sporting integrity, could detract from the card’s overall luster.
Shakur Stevenson: The True Headliner
Contrasting this dubious main event is the thrilling matchup between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda. Stevenson, the clever and technically savvy boxer, will put his WBC lightweight title on the line against Zepeda, who has built an impressive record with 33 wins, 27 by knockout. This bout promises to be an enthralling tactical battle, representing a genuine clash of skill and ambition.
For Stevenson, this is not merely about maintaining his title but also about solidifying his status among boxing’s elite. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both fighters seek to propel themselves into the conversation of top pound-for-pound fighters. Unlike the Berlanga-Sheeraz bout, Stevenson’s matchup seems rooted in a purer sense of competition, appealing to fans who crave authenticity in boxing.
Exploring the Undercard’s Impact
While the Berlanga and Stevenson fights have dominated headlines, the remaining matchups—Puello versus Matias and Morrell against Khataev—should not be overlooked. These bouts hold significant implications for the fighters involved and could serve as crucial stepping stones toward title opportunities in the future, showcasing the depth and talent in the sport.
The July 12th card in New York City encapsulates the electrifying nature of boxing, weaving together narratives of ambition, controversy, and talent. As fans eagerly await this lineup, they hope for a spectacle that reflects the sport’s highest ideals, even as concerns linger over its direction.