In a pivotal showdown that showcased both grit and brutality, Hamzah Sheeraz cemented his position as a rising star in the super middleweight division by delivering a devastating fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga. This victory wasn’t just about securing a win; it was a statement—Sheeraz proved he is more than capable of competing at the highest levels and staking a claim to future championship opportunities. Despite a shaky start, with early rounds not favoring him, Sheeraz’s composure and ruthless aggression in the middle rounds turned the tide dramatically. His ability to land a quick series of punches that culminated in the decisive knockout demonstrated a fighter with raw power and sharp boxing instincts. This victory signals that Sheeraz is entering a new phase of confidence—one where he refuses to be ignored on the world stage.
What makes this win even more striking is the psychological resilience Sheeraz displayed after a couple of tough opening rounds. Instead of crumbling under pressure, he recalibrated and unleashed his aggressive instincts with calculated precision. His bold declaration about facing Canelo Alvarez — expressing a fearless desire to stand toe-to-toe — reflects a fighter willing to embrace the biggest challenges. The knockout not only enhances his reputation but also ignites discussions about his future prospects, making him a potential contender in the super middleweight division. His performance offers hope that this is just the beginning of a promising career filled with explosive finishes and heated rivalries.
The Unfair Judging: A Controversial Night in the Co-Main Event
While Sheeraz’s moment was pure triumph, the co-feature fight between WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda left many fans and critics questioning the integrity of judging in boxing. Stevenson, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, was awarded a unanimous decision that many observers felt was unmerited. Zepeda was the more aggressive, active, and accurate puncher throughout the 12-round bout, yet the judges’ scores—118-110, 118-110, and 119-109—felt more aligned with Stevenson’s elusive style rather than the actual fight dynamics.
This contentious decision reveals a deeper flaw within the sport—judging often leans towards the stylistically preferred or the home-fighter, rather than raw activity and skill. The fact that Zepeda outlanded and outworked Stevenson in nearly every round is a testament to his tenacity and ability but was overshadowed by biased scoring. Critics argue that this outcome isn’t simply a misjudgment but a reflection of systemic issues that undermine the fairness of boxing, especially when the fighters’ reputations or nationalities influence the result. While Stevenson’s skill is undeniable, his win in this instance highlights the need for reform in scoring criteria and greater transparency, lest fans become desensitized to the sport’s credibility.
The Underdogs Shine: A Night of Unexpected Triumphs
The undercard fights provided a burst of excitement and showcased the depth of talent waiting to emerge on the world stage. Subriel Matias once again demonstrated why he is a relentless force at lightweight, grinding out a hard-fought majority decision against Alberto Puello—an opponent notorious for his defensive tactics. Matias’s aggressive pressure and refusal to let Puello breathe was a statement of his fortitude; the crowd’s boos were an inevitable consequence of Puello’s frequent holding, yet the judges saw through the antics, rewarding Matias’s sheer tenacity. This gritty victory not only affirms Matias’s position at the top of the division but also sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated defense against Dalton Smith, scheduled for Riyadh. It’s a bold move that hints at his hunger for legacy-building fights that can cement his reputation globally.
Meanwhile, David Morrell’s fight epitomized resilience. After getting knocked down in the fifth round, Morrell showcased his champion mentality by rallying back, ultimately outpointing Imam Khataev in a closely contested bout. The fight highlighted Morrell’s durability and tactical adaptability—traits that elevate him beyond being merely a promising prospect to someone with genuine championship potential. The fight was a reminder that boxing is as much about mental toughness as physical skill.
Reito Tsutsumi’s swift demolition of Michael Ruiz further demonstrated the emerging toxicity of young prospects in the sport. His relentless pressure and strategic targeting of the body underlined a well-rounded skill set that could make him a significant player in the featherweight division. This night of unpredictable results and impressive resurgences exemplifies boxing’s unpredictable nature—sometimes it’s the underdogs and scrappers who leave the most enduring legacies, challenging much-hyped favorites and forcing everyone to reevaluate what defines greatness in this combat sport.