British professional boxer Hamzah Sheeraz secured the vacant WBO super-middleweight world title on Saturday, May 23, 2026, by knocking out Alem Begic at the Pyramids of Giza. The 27-year-old Londoner ended the contest at 2 minutes and 33 seconds of the second round with a clinical left hand to the body.
This victory cements Sheeraz’s status as a major force at 168 pounds just one year after moving up from the middleweight division.
The “Glory in Giza” event, which featured Oleksandr Usyk defeating Rico Verhoeven in the main event, provided a historic backdrop for Sheeraz’s first world title win at super-middleweight. Weighing in at 166.9 pounds, the 6’3″ orthodox fighter used his reach and power to dismantle his 39-year-old opponent. While com/eddie-hearn-usyk-rico-verhoeven-egypt-historic-moment/”>the Egypt bout was deemed historic by industry figures, the performance was a cold reminder of Sheeraz’s finishing instincts.
Alem Begic entered the ring as the WBO’s fourth-ranked challenger with a formidable professional record of 29 wins, no losses, and one draw. The German veteran boasted 23 knockouts across his career since his 2014 debut, but he struggled to cope with Sheeraz’s physical advantages.
Following the first-round exchange, Sheeraz’s body shot in the second frame proved too much for Begic to recover from, handing him the first defeat of his career.
Sheeraz ends the Alem Begic unbeaten streak with body shot
Hamzah Sheeraz dominated the opening three minutes by utilizing a 75.2-inch reach to pump a consistent jab into the face of Alem Begic. Under the guidance of trainer Andy Lee, a former WBO middleweight champion, Sheeraz has become increasingly adept at maintaining distance. This tactical discipline allowed him to avoid any serious trading during the initial exchanges at the foot of the Great Pyramid.
The end came suddenly in the second round when Hamzah Sheeraz shifted his attack downstairs. After forcing Begic toward the ropes with straight rights, the Briton landed a digging left hand to the ribs that immediately sent the German to the canvas. The referee ended the count at 2:33, officially moving Sheeraz’s record to 23-0-1 with 19 knockouts, maintaining his 83% knockout ratio.
This result marks another successful step for Sheeraz since he abandoned the 160-pound limit due to weight-cutting difficulties. Promoted by Frank Warren, the young champion previously showed his suitability for the 168-pound class in July 2025. During that debut at the weight, he stopped Edgar Berlanga in five rounds in New York, proving his power would translate to the higher division.
Building momentum after the Edgar Berlanga stoppage
Sheeraz’s rise in the super-middleweight division follows a highly competitive 2025 campaign. Before the Berlanga win, he fought to a split draw against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in Riyadh. That experience appears to have refined his approach, allowing him to hunt for finishes with more patience.
His recent streak now includes stopping four of his last five opponents, including Tyler Denny and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.
The Giza breakthrough now positions Sheeraz for massive opportunities in a weight class currently dominated by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Having already provided a prediction for Canelo’s recent fights, Sheeraz will now be viewed as a mandatory contender for the Mexican icon’s gold. The WBO belt gives the British fighter the leverage needed to secure those career-defining nights.
Impact of the Giza breakthrough on the super-middleweight landscape
The super-middleweight division is widely considered one of the most lucrative in the sport. By picking up the vacant WBO strap, Sheeraz has effectively disrupted the established hierarchy. Other top contenders like David Benavidez and Christian Mbilli will now have to factor the young Briton into their championship calculations. His height and reach make him a unique problem for almost anyone at 168 pounds.
Broadcasters such as DAZN PPV, who carried the “Glory in Giza” card in the UK and US, likely see Sheeraz as a vital asset for future domestic blockbusters. British fans are already debating potential matchups against domestic rivals, many of whom have yet to face a champion with Sheeraz’s physical profile.
The seamless transition from middleweight titles to super-middleweight gold suggests he is only just reaching his physical prime.
The “Glory in Giza” undercard also delivered significant results for other stars. Jack Catterall defeated Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA welterweight belt, and shortly after, Catterall called out Rolando Romero for a title defense. Meanwhile, Frank Sanchez secured the IBF heavyweight title with a win over Richard Torrez Jr, making it a night of major shifts across multiple weight divisions.
What comes next for the new WBO champion
In the wake of his Cairo triumph, the focus for Hamzah Sheeraz will shift toward his first title defense. While his management team will likely explore high-profile matchups, a return to the UK for a homecoming fight remains a strong possibility. With an unblemished record (save for the Adames draw), Sheeraz is now one of the most marketable stars in British boxing.
He remains undefeated since his professional debut in September 2017 and has vacanted various titles, including the European and Commonwealth middleweight belts, to pursue this world honors. His promoter’s decision to move him up in weight has been vindicated by his two most recent performances. The 168-pound picture is undeniably more competitive with a champion of his caliber holding a major belt.
The Egyptian setting served as a definitive “coming of age” moment for the 27-year-old. Winning a world title at such a venue against a veteran like Alem Begic adds a unique chapter to his career history. For Sheeraz, the path forward is set: he is no longer a prospect or a contender; he is a world champion with the elite in his sights.
Key fight statistics from Giza
- Official Result: Hamzah Sheeraz def. Alem Begic via KO2 (2:33)
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Venue: Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
- Target: Vacant WBO Super-Middleweight World Title
- Sheeraz Post-fight Record: 23-0-1 (19 KOs)
- Begic Post-fight Record: 29-1-1 (23 KOs)
