The boxing world recently converged on New York City for a weekend that, in retrospect, was less about individual victories and more about definitive statements. Across two major cards, fighters laid bare their strategies, strengths, and surprising vulnerabilities, leaving an indelible mark on their careers and the collective consciousness of the sport. As the dust settles, a rigorous grading of these performances reveals not just who won or lost, but how they won or lost, and what that truly signifies for their respective journeys.
The Friday Fray: A Women`s Boxing Spectacle
Friday night at Madison Square Garden was billed as a monumental showcase for women`s boxing, featuring an unprecedented collection of titles. While the sheer volume of championships was impressive, the true narrative emerged from the quality of the performances.
Katie Taylor: A Calculated Masterclass (Grade: B)
In the highly anticipated third chapter of her saga with Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor delivered a performance marked by tactical brilliance rather than brute force. Having navigated two previous slugfests, Taylor opted for a slower, more deliberate pace, masterfully employing movement and precise counter-punching to keep Serrano at bay. This wasn`t the frantic, edge-of-your-seat brawl many expected, and perhaps that`s why her grade isn`t higher, but it was an undeniable testament to her ring IQ. She dictated terms, controlled distance, and, crucially, proved that she is unequivocally the superior fighter when she imposes her will.
Amanda Serrano: A Strategic Miscalculation (Grade: D)
Conversely, Amanda Serrano`s approach was a puzzling departure from her signature aggression. Trading her usual swarm for a more measured boxing stance, Serrano played directly into Taylor`s hands. It was a strategic gamble that backfired spectacularly. While admirable to evolve, sometimes evolution looks remarkably like regression, especially when abandoning the very intensity that made her a fan favorite and a formidable opponent. The decision loss wasn`t just clear; it highlighted a fundamental disconnect between her chosen strategy and her inherent fighting spirit. One wonders if she`ll be `leaning back` from such tactical experiments in the future.
Alycia Baumgardner: The Untapped Power (Grade: C)
“The Bomb” Alycia Baumgardner retained her undisputed junior lightweight title, but without truly detonating. Against Jennifer Miranda, Baumgardner`s renowned power remained largely dormant. After a period of relative inactivity, a safe performance is understandable, but it left new fans wanting more. She possesses all the tools for superstardom, and the boxing world awaits the re-emergence of the explosive champion they know she can be.
Shadasia Green: Grit Forged in Fire (Grade: B)
Stepping into the ring as a significant underdog against Savannah Marshall, Shadasia Green`s victory was a compelling blend of raw talent and sheer tenacity. Despite a point deduction for excessive holding, Green dug deep, clinching a split decision to unify super middleweight titles. Her performance wasn`t flawless, but it validated the belief in her potential and, more importantly, set the stage for a potential blockbuster clash with pound-for-pound queen Claressa Shields. The diamond in the rough is starting to shine.
Cherneka Johnson: Seizing the Moment (Grade: B)
A late replacement, Cherneka Johnson made the most of her unexpected opportunity. Her ninth-round TKO over Shurretta Metcalf not only crowned her Australia`s first undisputed bantamweight champion but also announced her arrival as a legitimate force. Johnson’s decisive performance proved that sometimes, the best opportunities arrive unannounced, demanding nothing less than absolute conviction.
The Saturday Showdown: Statements Made and Lessons Learned
Saturday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium delivered its own set of dramatic narratives, featuring some of boxing`s most compelling figures.
Shakur Stevenson: The Art of Adaptation (Grade: A)
Shakur Stevenson has long faced whispers of being “boring,” a critique often leveled at defensively masterful fighters. Against the relentless William Zepeda, Stevenson didn`t just win; he redefined his narrative. Abandoning his signature defensive shell, Stevenson stayed in the pocket, out-slugging a slugger, landing an astonishing 52.2% of his punches. It was a calculated risk that paid immense dividends, demonstrating not only his elite skill but also his versatility. This performance wasn`t just an A; it was a thesis on how to silence critics by expanding your repertoire.
William Zepeda: Relentless, But Predictable (Grade: C)
William Zepeda, true to form, threw a ludicrous 979 punches. His aggressive, high-volume style has overwhelmed 33 previous opponents. Yet, against Stevenson, sheer output proved insufficient. Zepeda`s predictability made him an open book for Stevenson`s precise counters. While he lost, his relentless style guarantees he`ll remain an exciting draw, even if a C-grade indicates a need for more nuanced offense at the elite level.
Hamzah Sheeraz: The Ascension (Grade: A)
Months of trash talk from Edgar Berlanga set the stage, but it was Hamzah Sheeraz who delivered the punchline. Making his super middleweight debut, Sheeraz dismantled Berlanga, scoring three knockdowns en route to a dominant fifth-round knockout. Berlanga`s much-hyped “Lean Back” entrance, complete with hip-hop royalty, became a painful irony as Sheeraz repeatedly forced him to do just that. This performance wasn`t merely a victory; it was a statement of intent, positioning Sheeraz for potential mega-fights against the likes of Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford.
Edgar Berlanga: A Dose of Humility (Grade: F)
For all his pre-fight bravado and a flashy entrance that promised a spectacle, Edgar Berlanga delivered only a humbling defeat. Blown out in five rounds, dropped three times in front of his home crowd, Berlanga`s once-feared first-round knockout streak seems a distant memory. His career trajectory, accelerated by early success and perhaps undue hubris, now demands a serious recalibration. This “F” isn`t a condemnation of his talent, but a stern reminder that the sweet science rewards preparation and humility far more than bluster. The lab awaits.
Subriel Matias: The Enduring Champion (Grade: B-)
Subriel Matias, known for his relentless pursuit of knockouts, demonstrated a new dimension to his game by going the distance for the first time against Alberto Puello. He maintained constant pressure, unleashing a barrage of body shots, yet found himself in a hard-fought, narrow majority decision. While he secured the WBC junior welterweight title, his inability to finish and a late fade suggest areas for refinement. It was a win, but perhaps not as emphatic as his reputation precedes.
Alberto Puello: Resilient, But Lacking Punch (Grade: C+)
Alberto Puello weathered the storm against Matias, showcasing resilience and crafty counter-punching. He became the first to take Matias the full 12 rounds, a testament to his durability and defensive acumen. However, his lack of offensive power ultimately limited his ability to truly turn the tide, proving that sometimes, simply enduring isn`t enough to secure victory at the championship level.
The Verdict: A Weekend That Shifted Gears
New York`s boxing weekend was a masterclass in contrasts: the tactical precision of Taylor against the missteps of Serrano, the stylistic evolution of Stevenson against the steadfast predictability of Zepeda, and the rising star of Sheeraz against the humbled Berlanga. These grades aren`t just report card entries; they are indicators of current standing, harbingers of future matchups, and definitive assessments of where these elite athletes truly stand in the unforgiving realm of professional boxing. The narrative has shifted, and the implications will resonate through the boxing landscape for months to come.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow