Hamzah Sheeraz has won 19 of his 24 fights inside the distance
Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz secured his inaugural world title, dispatching Alem Begic in the second round to claim the vacant WBO super-middleweight belt in Egypt.
The 26-year-old Londoner asserted dominance from the outset against the overwhelmed German fighter, utilizing sharp jabs and uppercuts to dismantle his opponent.
Begic proved unable to counter Sheeraz’s precision, succumbing to a left hook to the body which resulted in a knockdown.
The referee halted the bout as the 39-year-old failed to beat the count.
“It was straightforward – I observed his negativity from the moment I landed the first punch,” Sheeraz stated.
“Following that, it was a matter of pursuing him and concluding matters efficiently. That’s precisely what transpired.”
Sheeraz now holds the WBO title previously held by the retired Terence Crawford, bringing him closer to a potential high-profile match against Mexican boxing icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2027.
Alvarez, who was present at ringside, is scheduled to return to the ring for a fight against WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli on September 12 in Riyadh.
“Boxing royalty is present here, and I aspire to emulate their achievements,” Sheeraz added.
“I am defeating every opponent in my path. If Canelo prevails [against Mbilli], the decision rests with him.
“I consider him one of boxing’s all-time greats, and sharing the ring with him would be an honor. If granted the opportunity, I am confident I would secure the victory.”
Earlier in the event, England’s Jack Catterall, 32, advanced closer to a full world title opportunity with a dominant points victory over the previously undefeated Shakhram Giyasov, claiming the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title.
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Hamzah Sheeraz has gone the distance just once in his last 18 fights
Sheeraz made a statement on the global stage as part of the undercard for Oleksandr Usyk’s world title defense against Rico Verhoeven, set against the backdrop of the Giza pyramids.
Begic entered the fight with a record of 29 wins and one draw, but the 39-year-old was largely unknown to the broader boxing audience.
The difference in skill level was apparent from the opening bell. Sheeraz, buoyed by his recent career-best stoppage win against Edgar Berlanga last summer, controlled the center of the ring with a sharp jab, his primary weapon, while incorporating powerful body hooks.
“Great starting round,” his trainer Andy Lee commented from ringside.
The referee observed closely after a resounding right hook midway through the second round before Begic was sent to the canvas moments later, visibly in pain.
Sheeraz had previously fallen short in a world title attempt at middleweight but has appeared more comfortable at the higher weight.
Despite facing limited opposition, he has steadily developed into one of British boxing’s most improved competitors.
Should a showdown with Alvarez not materialize, other unification opportunities exist with Jaime Munguia, the current WBA titleholder, and Osleys Iglesias, the IBF titleholder.
“To be honest, I accomplished what was expected of me. Now, I am on the world stage, and I am calling out all of the 168-pounders,” he concluded.
Jack Catterall improved his record to 34 wins and two defeats, while Shakhram Giyasov suffered his first defeat in his 18th fight
Catterall delivered one of his finest career performances in what was widely considered a challenging match.
The Chorley fighter enjoyed a sensational start, knocking down his opponent with a straight left within the opening two minutes.
Giyasov rose on unsteady legs, and a composed Catterall continued to dictate the fight, doubling up on his jab to the head and body while outworking his opponent throughout.
He rocked Giyasov in the sixth and eighth rounds as blood began to flow from the Uzbek’s nose.
Catterall built an increasingly insurmountable lead and comfortably saw out the fight to secure a unanimous decision with scores of 118-109, 119-108, and 116-111.
“I am the happiest man in the world,” an emotional Catterall said. “I was not going to be denied. It was destined to happen.”
Catterall, long considered one of British boxing’s most unfortunate ‘nearly men’ at world level, narrowly missed out on undisputed light-welterweight glory in 2022 when he controversially lost to Josh Taylor on points.
He is now positioned to face WBA ‘Super’ champion Rolando Romero, with the sanctioning body mandating the fight to take place within 180 days.
“He’s got a portion of that world champion and we need a full portion,” promoter Eddie Hearn said.
“But why wait 180 days? We don’t need 180 days – 90 sounds better.”
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