Hamzah Sheeraz Destroys Alem Begic To Capture WBO Super Middleweight Title

Ranked No. 10 by The Ring at super middleweight, Sheeraz improved to 23-0-1 with 19 knockouts and barely absorbed a meaningful shot throughout the fight.

Begic, 39, entered the bout unbeaten, but the gulf in class became obvious almost immediately. Using his height, range and sharp jab, the Ilford native controlled the opening round entirely while barely moving beyond second gear.

By the second round, Sheeraz began systematically breaking Begic down. At one point, he landed five consecutive left hooks before eventually changing levels and digging a crushing left hook to the body that ended the fight with 37 seconds remaining in Round 2. “I did what I was meant to do tonight,” Sheeraz said afterward. “Now I’m calling on all 168-pounders. I’ll fight anyone.”

Sheeraz Eyes Canelo And Undisputed Gold

The victory officially elevates Sheeraz into the world title picture at super middleweight a division still headlined by Canelo Alvarez. Following the win, Sheeraz made his ambitions crystal clear. “I’m going to collect all the belts and Inshallah, this time next year Hamzah Sheeraz will be undisputed champion.”

The title became vacant after Terence Crawford retired from boxing following his September victory over Canelo. Originally, Sheeraz had been ordered to face Diego Pacheco for the vacant belt, but Pacheco withdrew earlier this year, opening the door for Begic to step in.

Andy Lee Influence Paying Off

This was Sheeraz’s second major fight since moving up from middleweight and overhauling his career setup. Following a disputed draw against Carlos Adames in a WBC middleweight title fight, Sheeraz:

• Moved training camp to Dubai
• Hired former world champion Andy Lee as head trainer
• Permanently moved to 168 pounds

The results have been dramatic. After previously stopping Edgar Berlanga in five rounds, Sheeraz now owns a world title and appears physically far more dangerous at super middleweight.

Frank Warren has even compared the rangy British star to legendary Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns because of his frame, jab and power. Lee now also celebrates his first world champion as a trainer. “Props to Andy,” Sheeraz said. “I cannot thank him enough.”

With the WBO title now around his waist, Sheeraz’s path toward massive unification fights and potentially a showdown with Canelo Alvarez suddenly looks very real.