HAMZAH SHEERAZ is confident that he has only a few more fights remaining in the middleweight division before making the move to a higher weight class.
Starting at super-welterweight (154lbs), the world title contender, standing at 6ft 3ins, made the decision to move up to middleweight by adding six pounds to his weight in March 2022. Since then, the 25-year-old has achieved an unbeaten record of six victories, which notably includes wins against Liam Williams and Austin Williams. These triumphs have solidified his standing as a formidable competitor in the division.
Speaking to Boxing News recently Sheeraz laid out part of his plans for the time he has left at 160lbs.
I believe I have three upcoming fights in the 160 weight class. My objective is to become a world champion and possibly unify the title. However, I am unsure about the feasibility of this goal because the weight is increasingly challenging for me. With each fight, it becomes slightly more difficult to maintain. Ideally, I think I may have three or four fights left at 160, at most.
At a recent event, Sheeraz and his promoter, Frank Warren, engaged with several media members following the remarkable triumph of Queensberry Promotions in Riyadh on June 1. In a face-off against Matchroom Boxing, led by Eddie Hearn, the five-man Queensberry team emerged victorious with an astounding final score of 10-0, completely overpowering their Essex opponents.
The five fights themselves produced plenty of action and drama which included Sheeraz – who was selected as Queensberry’s captain – stopping Austin Williams in the 11th round of their WBC world title final eliminator.
He expressed, “When I was initially informed about being given the complete captain role, I thought, okay, cool, you’re the captain. It was all about securing the four points. However, it wasn’t until fight week that we truly experienced the genuine team charisma and energy, and it felt great.”
I want to give a huge shout out to Willy Hutchinson for really adding to the excitement, because he’s quite a character. He definitely stands out. Plus, we all had each other’s back and supported one another. The best part was that before my match, Willy and Nick Ball both emerged victorious.
“It initiated the momentum, uplifted our morale, and put us in a proactive position right from the start. Each individual contributed and fulfilled their responsibilities, including ‘Big Bang’ [Zhilei Zhang]. He was an integral part of the team, just like everyone else.”
Sheeraz is eagerly awaiting news about his upcoming fight, which he hopes to receive in a few weeks before he begins training camp in July. He holds the title of WBC mandatory challenger for Carlos Adames’ championship, and he is also the number one contender for the WBO, whose current champion is Janibek Alimkhanuly. On June 15, Adames will defend his belt against Terrell Gausha, and on July 13, Alimkhanuly, who also holds the IBF strap, will put his titles on the line against Andrei Mikhailovich. However, the name and fight that Sheeraz remains intrigued by is that of Chris Eubank Jr.
In my opinion, it would be logical for the fight to take place in the UK, as it would be a thrilling matchup between two prominent British middleweights. Apart from Conor Benn, I believe that fighting against me is the only option that truly makes sense for him. Additionally, I am confident that he will receive the financial compensation he desires, despite his high demands. It’s important to consider the influential figures who are now supporting and overseeing these events, such as His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.
“And as long as he continues to bring happiness to him, I am confident that he will receive what he desires or what is just. He will have the opportunity to join me in the ring or arrive whenever the occasion arises.”
