Hamzah Sheeraz Prepares for Super Middleweight Challenge
Hamzah Sheeraz is shifting gears as he prepares to step into the super middleweight division, where he will face off against Edgar Berlanga on July 12 at Queens’ Louis Armstrong Stadium. This matchup comes on the heels of Sheeraz’s recent draw with Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title, a fight that prompted him to reassess his weight management. In an environment where weight cutting proved challenging, Sheeraz ultimately opted to move up in class.
Support for Jake Paul in the Boxing Community
Meanwhile, the boxing world is abuzz over Jake Paul’s rising profile. After claiming the No. 14 spot among cruiserweight contenders in the WBA rankings, Paul’s potential candidacy for a title shot against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez has elicited mixed reactions. However, Sheeraz openly supports Paul, acknowledging his commitment to the sport and capacity for improvement.
In a recent appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Sheeraz expressed respect for Paul’s risky endeavor to become a boxer, considering the dangers of the sport. Sheeraz believes that if Paul maintains his upward trajectory, the influencer might very well find himself in a title bout against a champion in the future.
Potential Matchups and Future Aspirations
The British boxer discussed the lure of a possible fight between Paul and Anthony Joshua, a matchup that could generate substantial revenue despite experts doubting Paul’s competitive edge. After defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June, Paul called out the former unified heavyweight champion Joshua, adding more drama to the heavyweight landscape, especially with Tyson Fury‘s rumored return to the ring by 2026, a prospect that could reignite his rivalry with Joshua.
Despite being open about his admiration for Paul, Sheeraz is primarily focused on his own career. After working with Ricky Funez for five years, he has teamed up with Andy Lee to better his preparation for upcoming fights at his new weight. Sheeraz is optimistic about this new partnership, citing Lee’s ability to connect with him and understand his style quickly.
Anticipation for the Berlanga Fight
Now, as he gears up to face Berlanga – who recently challenged Canelo Alvarez – Sheeraz finds the contrasting personalities of the two fighters intriguing. While Berlanga is known for his boisterous pre-fight trash talk, Sheeraz embraces the entertainment value it brings, stating that it elevates the expectations for their matchup.
With a potential path to a title challenge against Alvarez looming in the future, a victory over Berlanga could solidify Sheeraz’s status as a contender. He anticipates Alvarez’s upcoming fight against Terence Crawford and shares insights about the differences in weight classes, explaining that while money can shift motivations, the fundamental nature of weight divisions remains significant.
He predicts Alvarez’s victory, stating that the size and natural ability of Alvarez give him the upper hand against Crawford, even though financial incentives may sway decisions in boxing.
