THE Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York hosts a boxing event for the first time on Saturday evening. The card should produce some memorable moments. While the nominal main event is not make-or-break in the purest sense, neither man can really afford a defeat, especially by spectacular knockout.
That’s what could go down given the punching prowess of both UK man Sheeraz and crowd favourite Berlanga. The undercard features some intriguing clashes of styles and fighters eager to break out to the next level. Let’s see who is part of the Queens supporting cast.
Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda
This is a bit of a main event in itself. With 56 wins between them and zero losses, it’s a stellar matchup on paper. In reality, Mexican buzzsaw Zepeda will need to force the pace for 12 rounds if he is to get any joy against smooth-moving Shakur.
Stevenson is a risk-averse operator most of the time. When he stands inside and trades, he can be an accurate and spiteful hitter. This could be Stevenson’s time to step out like Floyd did with Philip Ndou many moons ago, when he ditched the boring tag with an explosive display. Here’s hoping.
Alberto Puello vs. Subriel Matias
In what could be the most well-matched fight of the evening, Dominican dangerman Puello puts his WBC super-lightweight strap on the line against Matias, once one of the most feared fighters in boxing.
Matias’ appetite for destruction simply turned into an appetite as he lazed through a loss to Liam Paro in 2024. The Puerto Rican puncher must rediscover the hunger if he is to match Puello’s pace and desire.
David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev
This should be a good firefight, if they make it into the ring. Khataev is determined to be there, by hook or by crook. The Russian first struggled with visa problems, which were later resolved. Then it was revealed that he had been slapped with a ban for a positive test. As it was under IBA jurisdiction, that has not impacted his ability to box on Saturday evening.
Morrell has a better pedigree and was last seen going the 12 with David Benavidez in a quality Las Vegas affair. Leaving with credit, the Cuban will look to punish beastly Khataev, hoping his offensive instincts don’t land him in trouble.
Best of the Rest
All-action Japanese novice Reito Tsutsumi will be looking for a stoppage over Michigan’s Jonah Cahill. Tsutsumi made his debut in Times Square in May. It proved to be a tougher test than expected.
Saudi hope Mohammed Alakel, 4-0, will seek to finally add that elusive KO to his record when he tackles Providence puncher Placido Hoff, who has been stopped twice before.
18-year-old Puerto Rican debutant Yandiel Lozano-Oquendo totters into the pro game as he waits for an opponent.
