On July 12th, boxing enthusiasts will have their eyes set on a highly-anticipated card in New York City featuring four noteworthy fights: Edgar Berlanga takes on Hamzah Sheeraz, Shakur Stevenson faces William Zepeda, Alberto Puello is set to battle Subriel Matias, and David Morrell goes up against Imam Khataev. Despite the event being organized under the prestigious banner of Ring Magazine, a palpable sense of dissatisfaction lingers among fans, particularly regarding the Berlanga-Sheeraz bout, which has drawn flak for its implications on the WBC super middleweight title picture.
Favoritism Over Fair Play
Arguably the most contentious point of this card is the fight between Berlanga and Sheeraz—the main event that some fans struggle to swallow. The pathway offered to these fighters for a shot at becoming Canelo Alvarez’s mandatory challenger has raised eyebrows, leading many to speculate that this pairing reeks of favoritism rather than merit. Berlanga, a fighter with a somewhat checkered record, is being rewarded with opportunities that far exceed his current standing. This sentiment is further exacerbated by Sheeraz’s unproven capabilities in the 168-pound division, particularly following his recent lackluster performance against Carlos Adames, which ended in a dubious draw—the kind of result that makes one wonder if he truly deserves this step up in competition.
The Solid Contenders
In stark contrast, the matchup between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda shines as the true jewel of the card and represents a clash of the titans. Stevenson, a polished and highly skilled fighter, will defend his WBC lightweight title against the undefeated Zepeda, who boasts a staggering knockout rate of 27 out of 33 wins. This fight offers both boxers a genuine opportunity to elevate their standings in the sport—not only in terms of titles but also in establishing legacy. Fans are right to feel excitement around this bout, as it encapsulates everything that’s right about boxing—a fair fight, competitive spirit, and high stakes.
The Ripple Effects of Risk
Interestingly, the dynamics for Sheeraz are quite intriguing. His team has evidently chosen to sidestep a potentially contentious rematch with Adames. The rationale seems clear; the risk outweighs the reward, especially when a headline-grabbing fight with Berlanga is looming on the horizon. This conscious decision illustrates a broader trend in boxing where fighters often prioritize lucrative matchups over tedious title eliminators or rematches. While this approach might be financially rewarding, it erodes the competitive spirit that the sport thrives on and raises questions about whether these matchups are benefiting the sport or simply catering to the whims of promoters.
While the July 12th card undoubtedly boasts some captivating matchups, the inclusion of Berlanga vs. Sheeraz as a featured attraction has muddied the waters. The conversation is no longer just about who is the best fighter but also about the overshadowing influence of promotional agendas that can steer the sport away from its foundational principles of fair competition.