Worth their salt! Stevenson vs Zepeda plus Berlanga vs Sheeraz: peppery presser

The final press conference was held for the highly anticipated Ring III event, which will take place this Saturday, July 12, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

The two main fights on the card—Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda and Edgar Berlanga vs Hamzah Sheeraz—had a promotional finale full of strong statements, brimming confidence, and real tension plus fractious face-offs.

WBC lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) will face WBC interim lightweight champion William “Camarón” Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) in a duel that has captured attention due to the stark style contrasts.

During the conference, Stevenson did not hide his confidence and made it clear that the public will see a more aggressive needle point version of his boxing:

“I have 100 different ways to beat him. He won’t know what hit him. Those who think I just run around are wrong: I’m a fighter and I’m going to fight.”

He also acknowledged that it will be one of his most demanding challenges:

“Zepeda is going to throw a lot of punches. I know I’ll have to fight him. This is one of my toughest.”

In response to previous provocations, Stevenson made a statement that sparked reactions from the audience:

“If you call me Jerry, then I’m going to beat up Tom.”

For his part, Zepeda responded with poise, revealing his hunger for glory:

“I’m hungry, ready, and I’m going to win. A lot of people only see what happens in the fight, not the daily sacrifice I made to get here.”

During the face-off, the Mexican silenced the audience with a provocative smile, heightening the tension. He also promised to impose his will in the ring:

“Many think I’m all talk, but I’m here to show my discipline. This is the most important fight of my life, and I’m not leaving anything up to the judges.”

In the co-main event of the night, Edgar Berlanga (22-1, 17 KOs) will face undefeated British fighter Hamzah Sheeraz (19-0, 15 KOs) in a super middleweight world title eliminator that promises to be a barn burner.

Berlanga comes in hungry and thirsty for redemption after his defeat to Canelo Álvarez in 2024. During the press conference, he was direct, succinct and bluntly to the point:

“I’m on the ropes. I want to hurt him. I want to win this fight and get my rematch with Canelo.”

Although he accepted that he is coming in as the “B-side,” he also assured that he will use that as motivation:

“I know many want him to win. But I can’t let that happen. I’m here to show the world what I can do.”

Sheeraz appeared calm but assuredly confident:

“I’m coming for everything. They’ve underestimated me, but on July 12, everyone will know who I really am.”

And he left no room for speculation:

“I’m going to throw some jabs, then land a right to the chin and knock him out. If we go 12 rounds, fine. But this fight is going to be explosive.”

Both fighters are ready to steal the show with a battle of power and pride.

The upcoming bout between Alberto “La Avispa” Puello and Subriel Matías promises to be one of the most explosive fights in the super lightweight division. Both boxers come in with solid records and aggressive styles that guarantee intense action in the ring.

Alberto Puello: “I’m ready to give my best and show why I’m the champion. Matías is a strong fighter, but my technique and discipline will be the key.”

Subriel Matías: “I’m not afraid of anyone, not even the champion. I’m going to fight with the heart and strength that characterizes me, to take the belt.”