The event took an unexpected turn when Davis publicly accused Berinchyk of delivering a box containing bananas and a watermelon to his hotel room—an act he perceived as racially motivated. The Ukrainian fighter dismissed the allegations, attributing them to attempts to create controversy. Despite the language barrier, Berinchyk maintained that the focus should remain on the fight itself. He emphasized his rigorous preparation, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a backdrop to his journey. Meanwhile, Davis expressed deep personal offense, vowing to settle matters inside the ring. This altercation added layers of intensity to the already high-stakes contest.
In the co-feature, Puerto Rican boxer Xander Zayas faces Germany's Slawa Spomer in a super welterweight bout. Zayas, who boasts an impressive record, sees this fight as a crucial step toward world title contention. Training extensively under the guidance of boxing legend Roy Jones Jr., Zayas is determined to showcase his skills at the iconic Madison Square Garden. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Spomer but remained confident in his ability to prevail. For Spomer, this opportunity represents a chance to prove himself among the elite, leveraging the invaluable experience gained from training with Jones.
The main card opener pits New Jersey's Vito Mielnicki Jr. against Northern Ireland's Connor Coyle in a middleweight contest. Mielnicki Jr., eager to make the most of this ESPN-televised opportunity, described it as a dream come true. He highlighted the importance of demonstrating growth and resilience in what he considers his toughest challenge yet. Coyle, having faced limited opportunities for high-profile bouts, views this match as a pivotal moment in his career. After dedicating months to intense preparation, Coyle is ready to seize this moment and showcase his best performance.
The undercard features several promising talents looking to make their mark. Rohan Polanco, a Dominican welterweight, aims to build momentum with a victory over Jean Carlos Torres. Polanco credits his trainer Hector Bermudez for guiding him through a challenging camp, preparing him for a successful outcome. Abdullah Mason, an undefeated lightweight, seeks to position himself among the top contenders by defeating Manuel Jaimes. Finally, Puerto Rico's Juanmita Lopez De Jesus makes her professional debut, driven by the desire to represent her country proudly. Each fighter brings unique stories and aspirations, adding depth to an already star-studded evening of boxing.