Hamzah Sheeraz has burst onto the world stage as one of Britain’s most promising boxing talents in recent years, compiling an impressive undefeated record of 21 wins and 1 draw.
His path to a world title hit a stumbling block in February, when he battled to a hard-fought split decision draw against WBC World Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames (24-1-1) in Saudi Arabia.
Sheeraz admitted that his performance, his first time fighting for a world title, fell short of the standards he had set for himself, but he embraced it as a valuable learning experience for future opportunities.
However, he found it difficult to witness the reactions of some people he had considered close to him following the draw with Adames.
“What kind of didn’t sit right with me was the people I had around me instead of being there was sending me the invoices to get paid, it was a harsh reality,” said Sheeraz to First Round TV.
The 25-year-old wasted no time in making changes to his team after the draw, opting to link up with trainer Andy Lee, who has guided fighters like Joseph Parker and Ben Whittaker to major victories in recent years.
“I’ve watched Andy quite a few times being a middleweight and a world champion,” said Sheeraz on the move.
“So I thought let’s get in touch with him and go and see him out in Ireland, met him and watched him train and I like what I saw and we got on. I feel like he can definitely add a lot to my game and someone I see myself finishing my career with.”
Hamzah Sheeraz Aiming For Clash With Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Hamzah Sheeraz returns to action this July, traveling to the U.S. to face formidable contender Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KO) at the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Berlanga’s only career defeat came against the newly crowned undisputed super-middleweight world champion, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, in September 2024.
If Sheeraz can overcome the Florida native, he hopes to join the exclusive list of just two fighters who have defeated Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in the ring.
When asked where he sees himself in 18 months, the British middleweight responded simply: ‘Fighting Canelo Alvarez.’
