Trainer Andy Lee achieved a major milestone on Saturday, May 23, 2026, when his fighter, Hamzah Sheeraz, defeated Alem Begic to claim the WBO super middleweight title. This victory officially makes the Irish former professional boxer a world champion trainer. The bout, which took place at the Pyramids in Egypt, saw Hamzah Sheeraz dismantle Alem Begic in just two rounds via knockout to secure the championship belt.
Hamzah Sheeraz, an English professional boxer, entered the ring with a destructive performance that left no doubt about his standing in the division. By stopping Alem Begic in the second round, Hamzah Sheeraz maintained his unbeaten status and secured his first major world title. The win brings his professional record to 23 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, with 19 of those victories coming by knockout, representing an 83% knockout ratio.
The achievement is particularly significant for Andy Lee, who previously held the WBO middleweight world champion title between 2014 and 2015. His transition to the corner has been a long-term progression that began years ago. Andy Lee made his first appearance in a fighter’s corner in October 2019, exactly 2,416 days prior to this WBO title victory with Hamzah Sheeraz.
Championship success for Andy Lee and Hamzah Sheeraz
The fight occurred at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Pyramids in Egypt. This location provided a high-profile setting for Hamzah Sheeraz to showcase his power on the global stage. While many fans were looking toward other major events in the region, such as the upcoming contest between Usyk and Verhoeven, the Sheeraz-Begic clash solidified the English fighter’s place at the top of the WBO rankings.
The swift nature of the knockout suggests Hamzah Sheeraz is ready for the biggest names in the 168-pound class. This victory comes at a time when major movements are expected in the division. While some analysts believe boxing star Canelo Alvarez may not quit boxing yet, the emergence of a fresh champion like Hamzah Sheeraz creates new possibilities for future title unifications.
Building momentum in the super middleweight division
Andy Lee has remained focused on the development of his stable since retiring from his own successful career. The knockout of Alem Begic is the culmination of years of work between the trainer and his protégé. With the WBO belt now in their possession, the team must look toward future mandatory challengers and potential domestic rivals.
The landscape of the division remains highly competitive as other fighters vie for positioning. For instance, the Gualtieri and Jones IBF eliminator highlights the depth of talent currently operating around these weight classes. Hamzah Sheeraz now stands as a central figure in these conversations, holding a major piece of the super middleweight puzzle after his dominant performance in Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Andy Lee become a world champion trainer?
Andy Lee became a world champion trainer on Saturday, May 23, 2026. He achieved this milestone when his fighter, Hamzah Sheeraz, defeated Alem Begic via second-round knockout to claim the WBO super middleweight title.
What is the current professional record of Hamzah Sheeraz?
Following his win over Alem Begic, Hamzah Sheeraz holds a professional record of 23 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. He has a total of 19 knockout victories, which translates to an 83% knockout ratio.
Where was the fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic held?
The WBO super middleweight title fight took place at the Pyramids in Egypt. Hamzah Sheeraz won the bout in two rounds, marking a major success for himself and his trainer, Andy Lee, at the historic venue.
