Fireworks Promised: Berlanga, Sheeraz, Stevenson, and Zepeda Face Off in NYC

The stars of the upcoming Ring Magazine III doubleheader lit up the Palladium Times Square today as Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, Hamzah Sheeraz, Shakur Stevenson, and William “El Camarón” Zepeda squared off ahead of their July 12 mega-event at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

This highly anticipated card follows a pair of record-breaking events in London and Times Square that generated over 116 billion online impressions. Now, attention turns to Queens for what many are calling one of the most explosive fight nights of the year.

Main Event: Berlanga vs. Sheeraz – Super Middleweight Clash

Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs), Ring Magazine’s No. 9 at 168 lbs, didn’t hold back:

“You already know what time it is. I’m knocking this mother***er out. This is New York. This is my city. I’m coming to break every bone in his face and put on a show.”

On Sheeraz’s style:

“He’s basic. I’ve been boxing since I was six. He’s nothing I haven’t seen.”

Berlanga also teased a possible rematch with Canelo:

“His people want the rematch. I went 12 rounds with him—guys with more experience didn’t do that. New York and Puerto Rico were shut down for that fight. The fans want it.”

Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs), Ring’s No. 3-ranked super middleweight, fired back with quiet intensity:

“This is the first time in my career I feel underestimated, and I love it. On July 12, the Hamzah Sheeraz hype train is back on.”

On being labeled “soft”:

“If I were soft, I wouldn’t be moving up and taking this fight in New York. I’m coming with everything.”

His prediction:

“Throw a few jabs, land a right on the chin, and knock him out. But if it goes 12, so be it—it’s going to be explosive.”

Co-Main: Stevenson vs. Zepeda – WBC Lightweight Title on the Line

Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) returns to defend his WBC lightweight title against Mexico’s unbeaten power puncher, William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs).

Stevenson exuded calm confidence:

“He wants to overwhelm me with punches. That won’t happen. I’m going out to win—and do it in spectacular fashion.”

On criticism of his defensive style:

“I’m not worried about standing and trading. I’m here to put on the best performance of my career. On July 12, Zepeda will remember my name.”

He acknowledged the stakes:

“I’m locked in. Zepeda’s been waiting for this his whole life. But I’m stepping on him. There’s no Tank fight if I don’t get past Zepeda.”

William Zepeda, unfazed by the moment, called it the fight of his life:

“This is the fruit of 16 years of hard work. I can’t leave it to the judges—I’m coming to stop the fight.”

On Stevenson:

“He’s a great fighter, but I’ve got a plan A and plan B. People think I just throw punches, but they’ll see. I want this to be a legendary fight—like Chavez vs. Taylor.”

Promoters and Officials Weigh In

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, emphasized the card’s significance:

“This is the first boxing event in a tennis arena. The outcome will shape the future of boxing. Shakur, Zepeda, Sheeraz, Berlanga—this card is very important to me.”

Rick Reeno, COO of The Ring Magazine, expects nonstop action:

“This card is about fireworks. Berlanga vs. Sheeraz won’t go the distance. And Shakur vs. Zepeda? Pure boxer vs. pure power—true fireworks on July 12.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, called this event the most exciting of the trilogy:

“Shakur is a superstar—comparable to Floyd or Sugar Ray. Zepeda is the perfect opponent. Berlanga is a huge puncher, but Sheeraz with Andy Lee in his corner is dangerous.”

Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions added:

“Zepeda’s output is insane. Berlanga is electric. Shakur might be better than Floyd. This is a can’t-miss card.”

Spencer Brown (Goldstar Promotions) and Keith Connolly (Berlanga’s manager) added their own confident takes. Brown predicted a six-round win for Sheeraz. Connolly countered:

“It won’t go past five. Berlanga’s levels above Sheeraz. Expect a violent knockout and a springboard to bigger fights.”

Final Thoughts

With two top-tier matchups featuring four undefeated or nearly undefeated stars, Ring Magazine III is shaping up to be a fight night for the ages. Whether you’re in it for the action, legacy, or fireworks—July 12 promises all three.

Live on DAZN.