Boxing
A clash of personalities, two world title fights and a historic venue - Why Ring III is a must-watch
Ring III - TONIGHT on DAZN PPV - BUY NOW
Big-time boxing returns to New York tonight with a Ring Magazine card full of star names.
The two headline bouts, Edgar Berlanga vs Hamzah Sheeraz and Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda for the former’s WBC lightweight title are already generating plenty of excitement amongst fight fans during a weekend which also sees the Club World Cup final take place in New Jersey live and free on DAZN.
Here, DAZN News' Matt Astbury explains why fight fans cannot miss Ring III.
A huge double main event
On any other fight card, Berlanga vs Sheeraz and Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title defence against Zepeda would be a main event in its own right, but Ring Magazine are only in the boxing business to put on the biggest cards possible.
Boxing is arguably the strongest it has ever been right now, and at Ring Magazine III, fans will be in for a treat as they will be guaranteed fireworks with all four fighters not afraid to let their fists do the talking.
Berlanga and Sheeraz, a clash of personalities
For a super middleweight debut, Sheeraz could have chosen an easier foe, instead he is facing former world title challenger Berlanga.
The rivalry between the two was clear to see at the first press conference with Berlanga’s loud character clashing with the composed and thoughtful Sheeraz. While Sheeraz is calm and collected outside of the ring, he has fearsome punching power inside of it, and the British star will look to silence the loud-mouthed Puerto Rican once and for all.
Zepeda finally gets his world title shot
It feels like a fight the boxing world has been talking about forever, but finally, Zepeda gets his shot at Stevenson and his WBC lightweight title.
Since winning the vacant belt in 2023, Stevenson is yet to be tested at 135lbs, until now. Zepeda is a man with dynamite in his fists, winning 27 of his 33 professional fights by way of knockout, but the Mexican has been involved in two difficult meetings with the experienced Tevin Farmer.
With Stevenson someone who relies on slick footwork, and Zepeda looking to trade, this world title fight will be an intriguing battle of styles.
Louis Armstrong Stadium makes history
The Ring Magazine is always making history with its fight cards, and this one is no different with New York’s Louis Armstrong Stadium the venue.
- Read next | Iconic venues in NYC that have hosted the sweet science ahead of boxing's debut at new stadium
Tennis’ US Open venue will host boxing for the first time in its history and will welcome 14,000 boxing fans for this must-watch card.
Subriel Matias attempts to become a two-time champion
After losing his IBF super lightweight title to Liam Paro last year, Subriel Matias now has a chance to become a two-time champion in New York.
In the opposite corner will be defending champion Alberto Puello who beat Sandor Martin by split decision in March. There will be one British fighter keeping a close eye on this matchup in the form of Dalton Smith who will be on knocking on the door to face the winner in his first world title challenge.
Watch Usyk versus Dubois 2 live and exclusive on DAZN PPV on Saturday, July 19 for £24.99 UK; $59.99 US; $19.99/equivalent ROW. Buy the PPV now here.
