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The DAZN News Panel - Who will steal the show on the huge Ring III blockbuster in New York City?
Hamzah Sheeraz and Edgar Berlanga meet with super-middleweight bragging rights on the line .
Elsewhere, Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda will finally collide as they look to prove who is the world’s leading lightweight.
Albert Puello and Subriel Matias will contest the WBC super-lightweight belt whilst David Morrell returns to action against the heavy-handed Australian, Imam Khataev.
So many outstanding fighters have the opportunity to make a huge impression, but who will steal the show in New York City?
The DAZN News Panel discusses that matter.
Chris Walker – DAZN News
Although there is a temptation to give Edgar Berlanga the nod as there is a chance he could expose the frailties we saw in Hamzah Sheeraz against Carlos Adames, the safe pick is Shakur Stevenson.
The Newark man, on paper, faces a stern test against the marauding William Zepeda, but could the unbeaten Mexican be made to measure for Stevenson?
Stevenson is an expert on the back foot and with Zepeda expected to force the fight, that could give Stevenson the opportunity to shine bright and go a long way to removing the ‘boring’ tag that has accompanied him in recent outings.
Imam Khataev could also be one to watch but after failing to impress in his last fight when he went the distance for the first time, the pressure is on him to make an impact against the brilliant David Morrell.
Even if he does not get the win, a solid showing could open the doors for more opportunities at light-heavyweight.
Matt Astbury – DAZN News
The talk of the town at Ring III on Saturday night will be Australian light heavyweight Imam Khataev.
With a 10-0 professional record and nine knockouts, Khataev is fast becoming a dangerous prospect at 175lbs, and he can continue to build on this momentum against David Morrell.
Khataev went the full distance for the first time in his career four months ago, which will put him in good stead against Morrell, who will be a tough test.
The American recently went 12 rounds with current WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez in just his 12th professional bout.
With Turki Alalshikh calling for more exciting performances inside the ring, expect Khataev to go on the hunt for a knockout in the hope of catching the eye of arguably the most powerful man in boxing.
- Read more | Christopher Walker - Sheeraz vs Berlanga: The most important fight of their lives
Pete Carvill – The Independent
Stevenson-Zepeda makes me think of the fight between Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov back in 2013 – a gifted boxer who lacks power against a crude wrecking machine.
While history does not repeat, it tends to rhyme. Expect Stevenson, if he brings his wise head, to stay outside away from Zepeda’s power, and try to push his way to a close-but-unanimous decision that will see him take plenty of plaudits.
It is a brave or foolhardy man who picks a winner from Berlanga-Sheeraz. Both men have broadly similar records – Berlanga is 23-1 (18) and Sheeraz is 21-0-1 (17), heights, and power. So, no prediction here, but it is probably the most intriguing bout of the night, and one that no one should miss live on DAZN.
Jack Tanner – The Independent
Former IBF super lightweight belt holder Subriel Matías could return to world champion status this weekend by becoming the first to defeat WBC champ Alberto Puello.
The Puerto Rican’s power and willingness to trade inside the pocket leads to exciting fights, and if he manages to keep Puello in the middle of the ring, expect Matías to make it 23 knockouts from 23 wins.
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