MFS SERIES TRUST III, 485BPOS, EX-99.9(B), 2000-05-30

MFS SERIES TRUST III
485BPOS, EX-99.9(B), 2000-05-30

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                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.9(b)

                              LEGAL OPINION CONSENT

I consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No.
29 to the Registration Statement (File Nos. 2-60491 and 811-2794) (the
"Registration Statement") of MFS Series Trust III (the "Trust"), of my opinion
dated May 13, 1998, appearing in the Trust's Registration Statement which was
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 1998.


JAMES R. BORDEWICK, JR.
--------------------------------
James R. Bordewick, Jr.
Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk

Boston, Massachusetts
May 23, 2000