Hamzah Sheeraz made a significant impact in his super-middleweight debut by defeating Edgar Berlanga at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York on October 14, 2023. Sheeraz stopped Berlanga in the fifth round, marking a compelling case for a future matchup against undisputed super-middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.
During the fight, Sheeraz showcased his punching power by knocking Berlanga down twice in the fourth round. The Englishman, who had previously faced a challenging bout that ended in a draw against Carlos Adames, demonstrated his prowess at 168 pounds. After dropping Berlanga flat onto the canvas, Sheeraz quickly capitalized on his momentum at the start of the fifth round. The match concluded when referee David Fields waved it off after Berlanga’s glove touched the canvas following a combination of punches.
Reflecting on his performance, Sheeraz stated, “Today there was nothing stopping me.” The victory not only enhanced his profile but also reignited discussions about a potential clash with Alvarez, who previously went the distance with Berlanga in their only encounter.
Dominant Performances Highlight Event
The event also featured an impressive display from Shakur Stevenson, who successfully defended his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda by unanimous decision. Stevenson dominated the fight, with scores of 119-109 on one card and 118-110 on the other two. Despite Zepeda’s attempts to land punches early in the bout, Stevenson managed to evade significant damage while responding with rapid-fire combinations.
Stevenson expressed confidence in his ability, saying, “At the end of the day, I told you all, whatever it takes to get the job done. I got dog in me.” His tactical head movement and quick reflexes allowed him to maintain control throughout the fight, culminating in a decisive victory.
In another highlight of the evening, Subriel Matias claimed the WBC super-lightweight title with a majority decision victory over Alberto Puello. The bout was closely contested, showcasing Matias’s resilience and skill in the ring. Meanwhile, David Morrell overcame a fifth-round knockdown to secure a split decision win against Imam Khataev in a thrilling light-heavyweight matchup.
As the boxing world reflects on these impressive performances, all eyes are set on Sheeraz’s next move and the potential showdown against Canelo Alvarez that could define his career.