Boxing Set to Ignite USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

As Wimbledon concludes, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is gearing up for a thrilling night of boxing. This marks the venue’s inaugural hosting of a boxing event, transitioning from tennis rackets to boxing gloves.

Main Event Fighters

Headlining the event are local fighters Edgar Berlanga and Shakur Stevenson, both competing in separate bouts at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the center’s secondary venue. Stevenson expressed enthusiasm about the large arena and the anticipated fan turnout, stating, “It’s a new stadium, it’s going to be a big arena, there’s going to be a lot of fans there, so I’m excited to put on a show.”

Fight Card Highlights

Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC lightweight title against the undefeated William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs). Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) is set to face Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) in a super middleweight main event. This boxing card, presented by Ring Magazine, coincides with a busy weekend of fights in New York, including a significant match between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.

Venue and Attendance

The National Tennis Center has previously welcomed various sports, such as the WNBA’s first outdoor regular-season game and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Unlike the limited attendance at the recent Times Square event, Saturday’s gathering is expected to energize the fighters. Berlanga reassured fans about their presence, saying, “They’re going to come… they’re there.”

Future Aspirations

Both Berlanga and Sheeraz are eyeing an impressive performance as a means to challenge 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, who is slated to fight undefeated multi-division champion Terence Crawford. Berlanga, who faced loss to Alvarez in the past, remains confident in his abilities, asserting he’s on a trajectory to dominate the 168 division.

Fight Preview

This card, available as a pay-per-view on DAZN, also showcases Alberto Puello defending his 140-pound title against former champion Subriel Matias, along with a light heavyweight clash between David Morrell and Imam Khataev. Stevenson, while criticized for his cautious style, intends to adapt his approach for the anticipated matchup against Zepeda, noting, “He’s a great fighter… so it’s going to be an amazing fight.”

Conclusion

Saturday’s boxing event at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center promises to be an electrifying night, featuring top talent and high-stakes bouts that could pave the way for future title opportunities.