Hamzah Sheeraz Proves He’s Ready for the Middleweight Elite
Seven years ago, Hamzah Sheeraz, then an unknown 18-year-old super welterweight, turned professional. Since then, his promoter, the Hall of Fame’s Frank Warren, has been involved in some of the biggest events in world boxing and has showcased many of the sport’s highest-profile figures. Yet, Warren has consistently championed Sheeraz, touting him not just as a potential world champion, but as a fighter and person capable of carrying the flag for British boxing.
On Saturday night, in Saudi Arabia, Sheeraz, the undefeated middleweight, justified Warren’s faith by stopping the dangerous, undefeated American, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, on the ‘5 Vs. 5’ bill. Throughout the promotion, Sheeraz carried himself like a future champion, speaking with authority and confidence when facing the eccentric, unpredictable Williams.
“If I’m not ready now, I don’t think I’ll ever be,” he said after the fight, which was a final eliminator for the WBC title.
Once the fight began, Sheeraz performed like an established world-level operator. He held his ground early on and turned back Williams’ charge, utilizing his 6ft 3in frame and range effectively. Notably, Sheeraz’s inside game was also on display, and he showed a mix of skills, including an outstanding jab, perfect pacing, and a ruthless streak to finish the tired, hurt American. The victory extended his stoppage streak to 14 consecutive fights.
In the classic middleweight division, Sheeraz, at 25 years old, looks poised to make his mark. The WBC champion, the dangerous Carlos Adames, defends his belt against Terrell Gausha on June 15, potentially setting up an Autumn showdown for Sheeraz. Additionally, the name of Chris Eubank Jr., one of the biggest names in British boxing, has been floated, with Sheeraz acknowledging that a fight against Eubank would enable him to crossover into the consciousness of casual sports fans, even as his ultimate aim remains winning a world title.
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