Hamzah Sheeraz produced a dominant performance in Egypt as the British fighter stopped Alem Begic in the second round to win the vacant WBO super-middleweight world title.
Fighting beneath the pyramids of Giza on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight title defence against Rico Verhoeven, Sheeraz delivered a statement victory that further strengthened his growing reputation in world boxing.
The 26-year-old Londoner took control from the opening bell, using sharp jabs and accurate uppercuts to dismantle Germany’s Begic, who struggled to cope with the pace and precision coming his way.
Begic entered the contest with a record of 29 wins and one draw, but the 39-year-old was unable to trouble Sheeraz at any stage. The referee took a close look at the German midway through the second round after a heavy right hook landed cleanly, before a crushing body shot eventually sent Begic to the canvas in visible pain.
Unable to recover before the count, Begic saw the fight waved off as Sheeraz celebrated the first world title of his professional career.
“It was simple – I saw he was very negative from when I landed the first punch,” Sheeraz said afterwards.
“After that it was about walking him down and getting out of there. That is what we’ve done.”
The victory earns Sheeraz the WBO belt previously vacated by retired American star Terence Crawford and moves him closer to a possible future showdown with Mexican icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Alvarez was present ringside for the event and is due to return to action on 12 September in Riyadh against WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli.
“There is boxing royalty ringside and I want to follow in their footsteps,” Sheeraz said.
“I am beating whoever is in front of me. If Canelo wins, it’s up to him.
“I believe he is one of the goats of boxing. To share the ring with him would be an honour. If I got the opportunity I would get the win for sure.”
Sheeraz appeared far more comfortable at super-middleweight after previously falling short in a world title attempt at middleweight. Since moving up, he has continued to improve, building on last summer’s impressive stoppage victory over Edgar Berlanga.
Trainer Andy Lee praised his fighter after a commanding opening round, with Sheeraz controlling the centre of the ring and punishing Begic with heavy body work throughout the short contest.
Should a mega-fight with Alvarez fail to happen, Sheeraz still has several major options available in the division. Jaime Munguia currently holds the WBA title, while Osleys Iglesias owns the IBF belt.
“To be honest, I did what I was meant to do. Now it has got me on to the world stage and I am calling on all of the 168-pounders,” Sheeraz added.
Earlier on the same card, Jack Catterall strengthened his position in the welterweight division with a convincing points victory over previously unbeaten Shakhram Giyasov to claim the WBA ‘regular’ title.