A double feature of high-stakes boxing matches hits New York this weekend, promising a showcase of pugilistic skill over two successive evenings.
On Friday, a groundbreaking all-women’s lineup will broadcast from Madison Square Garden (Netflix, 8 p.m. ET). Most Valuable Promotions will present the third clash between current undisputed junior welterweight titleholder Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) and decorated nine-division champion Amanda Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs).
The following night, Turki Alalshikh and “The Ring” magazine are set to deliver “Ring III” from Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens (DAZN PPV, 6 pm ET). The main event will feature a super middleweight contest between Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) and Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs), while Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC lightweight belt against his mandatory challenger, William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs).
With the fights nearing, we should examine the most significant narratives surrounding both events.
Boxing legend Julio César Chávez stands by his son amidst alleged cartel affiliations and criminal accusations in both the U.S. and Mexico
Steven Taranto
1. Taylor versus Serrano III stands as a monumental event in women’s boxing
Truthfully, the initial two encounters between these future Hall of Famers already held that distinction. However, this third meeting carries even greater weight. Their initial contest in 2022 (also at MSG) unleashed incredible action, surpassing the high anticipation and generating an electrifying atmosphere that those fortunate enough to be ringside will remember for years. How did they top that? Their rematch this past November, as part of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson event on Netflix at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, drew the largest viewership for a women’s sporting event in U.S. history. Both matches were legitimate contenders for fight-of-the-year (regardless of gender) and ended in close, debatable decisions favoring Taylor. Placing the trilogy on Netflix, this time as the main event of an all-female card, has the potential to significantly boost the growth of women’s boxing and determine the definitive victor in this rivalry. It represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport.
2. Despite Taylor leading 2-0, Serrano is the predicted favorite
Even with Serrano stepping up in weight to 140 pounds from her current featherweight title, she has displayed greater punching power than Taylor over their 20 intense rounds. Throughout her career, the nine-division champion has secured titles in divisions ranging from 118 to 140 pounds and would likely have benefited from the adoption of 12 three-minute rounds, like men’s boxing. Taylor, a celebrated Irish athlete and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, used her position to ensure that the structure of 10 two-minute rounds remained, favoring her high-activity style. Nonetheless, Serrano being three years younger than Taylor at 36 cannot be ignored. The fact that she visibly hurt Taylor in both previous fights, despite losing by narrow decisions, is also significant. Given her proven ability to withstand Taylor’s power, expectations remain high that Serrano will be more aggressive, focusing on delivering forceful blows in hopes of achieving a stoppage.
3. Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz look to rebuild their reputations
This 168-pound match, headlining the debut boxing event at the U.S. Open tennis venue, is presented as a non-title fight with the possibility of a future bout against Canelo Alvarez for the winner. Sheeraz, a 26-year-old fighter from England, has been personally favored by Alalshikh since the Saudi Arabian advisor began investing in boxing. However, Sheeraz’s last performance in February did not impress, appearing to struggle over 12 rounds against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, ultimately resulting in a controversial split draw. Following Alalshikh’s suggestion, Sheeraz replaced his trainer with former middleweight champion Andy Lee and moved up to 168 pounds after his disappointing performance. He remains a potential opponent for Alvarez if he wins, but needs to improve his boxing skills and ring intelligence. Berlanga, a 28-year-old from New York, needs a breakthrough performance just as much. Berlanga went 12 rounds with Alvarez in a one-sided 2024 defeat that he has been aggressively trying to redefine by constantly saying in public he went toe-to-toe with the Mexican icon. Berlanga seemed hesitant and content to survive. However, Berlanga attracts attention and has a celebrity following that includes rapper Fat Joe. A victory over Sheeraz could place him back in contention for a major fight against notable opponents.
4. Will Shakur Stevenson try to disprove his reputation as a dull, defensive fighter?
This remains the key question as the 28-year-old lightweight champion (and three-division titleholder) enters his long-awaited mandatory defense against the aggressive Zepeda. Stevenson has faced consistent criticism for his lack of offensive drive and has even been playfully teased by Alalshikh on social media recently. Stevenson disagreed with Alalshikh’s stance against “Tom and Jerry” fights that feature more movement than action, and Alalshikh threatened to use a smaller ring to force Stevenson to fight. Regardless, Stevenson is heavily favored to give Zepeda his first loss, whether he increases his activity or not, given his exceptional boxing skill. The frustration he has shown in recent interviews suggests that Alalshikh’s comments might have resonated with him.
5. PBC’s ongoing partnership with Riyadh Season is progressing slowly
From the start of Alalshikh’s efforts to influence boxing, Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions seemed the least inclined to collaborate with Saudi Arabia. Besides a few isolated instances, PBC made more headlines for fighters declining to work with Alalshikh (specifically Gervonta “Tank” Davis and, initially, Alvarez) than for those who agreed. However, this has slowly evolved over time. Whether due to PBC’s financial needs or Alalshikh’s willingness to collaborate with all promoters globally, the partnership has grown significantly. Light heavyweight star David Benavidez recently signed a deal with Alalshikh to headline a major card in Riyadh this November, and two other respected boxers will participate in Saturday’s event in Queens with competitive matches. Undefeated Alberto Puello will defend his WBC junior welterweight title against former champion Subriel Matias in a potentially exciting fight. David Morrell Jr. will also return to an Alalshikh event, following his first professional loss to Benavidez, facing undefeated Russian boxer Imam Khataev, who trains in Australia. Given PBC’s uncertain broadcast situation as 2026 approaches, this partnership is one to watch closely.
