Scales Conquered: New York’s Big Boxing Card Cleared for Action After Intense Weigh-Ins

The final, non-violent ritual of boxing has concluded in New York: the weigh-in. With fighters successfully navigating the scales, a significant night of fights, headlined by Edgar Berlanga versus Hamzah Sheeraz in a super-middleweight clash, is officially greenlit. The atmosphere was a mix of professional obligation and simmering animosity, setting the stage for tomorrow evening`s contests.

For the main event participants, the contrast was notable. British challenger Hamzah Sheeraz presented a picture of calm focus, stating that emotional detachment was key to arriving prepared. Edgar Berlanga, the Brooklyn native and main attraction, opted for intensity. Sporting a Tottenham Hotspur jersey – a curious choice for a New Yorker, perhaps a strategic nod or simply personal preference – Berlanga dialed up the staredown, getting uncomfortably close to a seemingly unfazed Sheeraz during the photo opportunities. Berlanga`s words reflected his aggressive posture, promising an explosive performance.

The undercard also delivered its share of pre-fight theater. The WBC lightweight title bout between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda saw its own tensions boil over. Zepeda interpreted a gesture from Stevenson – reportedly a middle finger – as a sign of significant disrespect, particularly within a family context. Stevenson, ever the composed technician, brushed it off, indicating he was simply focused on the task at hand, taking his career “one step at a time.” Zepeda`s promoter, the legendary Oscar De La Hoya, added intrigue by referencing the historic, debated fight between Floyd Mayweather and Jose Luis Castillo, hinting he sees potential for a tactical upset based on stylistic matchups – a promoter`s job, perhaps, but an interesting parallel nonetheless.

Further down the card, the WBC super-lightweight title defense featuring Alberto Puello and Subriel Matias proved equally heated, albeit expressed primarily in Spanish. Both champions engaged in fiery exchanges during their face-off, demonstrating their readiness to settle matters in the ring.

With the weigh-ins concluded, the technical requirement is met. Fighters have made weight, the ceremonial staredowns are done, and the final psychological plays are complete. The anticipation now shifts entirely to the fighting itself.

Official Weigh-In Results from New York:

The fighters have done their part on the scale. All that remains is the bell.