Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz secured his first world title with a impressive second-round knockout win over Alem Begic to claim the empty WBO super-middleweight title in Egypt. The 26-year-old London native imposed himself from the first bell, breaking down the outclassed German opponent with sharp straight jabs and uppercuts before a body left hook sent Begic to the canvas. The 39-year-old failed to beat the count as the referee waved off the contest. Sheeraz now holds the belt left behind by American champion Terence Crawford who retired and has moved significantly closer to a potential dream match with Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who was ringside for the victory.
A emphatic win in Cairo
Sheeraz made his mark on the global platform with a dominant display on the supporting card of Oleksandr Usyk’s world heavyweight title defence against Rico Verhoeven, with the famous pyramids of Giza serving as a impressive setting to his coronation. From the opening bell, the difference in calibre between the two fighters was plainly evident. The Londoner controlled centre ring behind a sharp jab—his primary weapon throughout the contest—whilst adding in strong hooks to the midsection that visibly troubled his opponent. His trainer Andy Lee, positioned in the corner, remarked approvingly after the opening round: “Great starting round.”
Begic, who came with a record of 29 wins and one draw, proved relatively obscure to the wider boxing public and completely ill-equipped for Sheeraz’s technical superiority. The referee took a close look after a powerful right hook midway through the second round before Begic was sent crashing to the canvas moments later, visibly wincing in pain. Despite the limited opposition presented, Sheeraz has gradually advanced into one of the British boxing scene’s most improved operators. His performance at super-middleweight suggested he has found his natural weight class after coming up short in a earlier world title bid at middleweight.
- Sheeraz has won 19 of his 24 professional fights by knockout
- He has lasted the full distance just once in his last 18 bouts
- Coming off a career-best stoppage win over Edgar Berlanga during summer
- Now seeking unification bouts at super-middleweight after claiming vacant WBO title
The journey to Canelo plus further
With the WBO super-middleweight crown now obtained, Sheeraz’s urgent priority centres on the tantalising prospect of taking on Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican superstar who watched proceedings intently from ringside in Cairo. Alvarez is scheduled to return to the ring on 12 September in Riyadh, where he will hold his WBC super-middleweight belt against Christian Mbilli. Should the celebrated Mexican boxer win the fight, a unification showdown with Sheeraz could constitute the most significant moment of the Londoner’s career—a chance to test himself against one of boxing’s finest competitors.
Sheeraz was full of praise for Alvarez following his triumph, recognising the scale of such a possible encounter. “There is boxing legends ringside and I want to follow in their footsteps,” he declared. “I believe he is one of the greatest fighters of boxing, to share the ring with him would be an honour. If I got the opportunity I would secure victory for sure.” The 26-year-old’s confidence is underpinned by his current performance and newfound comfort at super-middleweight, indicating he possesses the tools to perform at the sport’s elite level.
Reunification goals in sight
Beyond Alvarez, Sheeraz’s future plans involves consolidating his position as super-middleweight title holder and pursuing unification bouts against the champions of the other major world titles. His dominant display against Begic has announced him as a genuine challenger in a division populated by elite competitors. The move up from middleweight, where he came up short in a previous world title attempt, to super-middleweight appears to have unlocked his true potential as a boxer.
Matchroom’s backing of Sheeraz’s career underscores their confidence in his capacity to emerge as a true British boxing superstar. His knockout strength—demonstrated by 19 stoppage victories in 24 professional bouts—alongside technical skill and fight intelligence, offers a powerful pathway to success. Whether facing Alvarez or pursuing other unification opportunities, Sheeraz has positioned himself as one of British boxing’s most promising prospects with genuine world-class pedigree.
Catterall’s journey back progresses
Jack Catterall’s quest for unified welterweight supremacy took a further notable stride forward on the undercard in Cairo, where the 32-year-old Englishman earned a emphatic points victory over hitherto undefeated Shakhram Giyasov. The impressive showing secured Catterall the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title, bringing him substantially closer to a major world title shot in a division packed with elite talent. His showing highlighted his status as one of Britain’s most durable boxing operators, having weathered considerable adversity to reach this point in his career.
Catterall’s progression has been marked by success and setback, yet his unwavering determination has seen him establish himself as a genuine title contender. The 147-pound division continues to be one of professional boxing’s toughest battlegrounds, inhabited by formidable champions and challengers alike. Catterall’s most recent win serves as confirmation of his technical prowess and ring craft, qualities that have shaped his competitive comeback and marked him as a genuine danger to the division’s established hierarchy.
- Catterall defeated undefeated Shakhram Giyasov via one-sided points decision
- Won the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title in commanding fashion
- Moved significantly closer to undisputed welterweight championship shot
From controversy to championship contention
Catterall’s journey to this moment has been anything but a straight path, defined by contentious choices and challenges that challenged his resolve. However, his latest displays have revealed a fighter performing at optimal condition, combining technical excellence with the physical tools necessary to compete at welterweight’s highest level. His win against Giyasov was a demonstration of controlled aggression and strategic ring management.
The Englishman’s route to undisputed status now appears progressively realistic, particularly given the challenging environment at 147 pounds. With the WBA ‘regular’ title secured, Catterall possesses the qualifications required to pursue the sport’s premier welterweight crowns. His comeback story, forged through adversity and perseverance, continues its upward trajectory with real championship achievement within grasp.
British boxing’s comeback on the global stage
Sheeraz’s victory in Egypt marks a major achievement for British boxing, demonstrating the depth of homegrown talent competing at the elite level of competition. The Londoner’s commanding performance against Begic, alongside Catterall’s dominant display on the same card, underscores a wider revival of British fighters proving themselves to be credible world champions-in-waiting. Both men have shown the tactical expertise and mental resilience necessary to excel in an increasingly competitive world stage, with their victories functioning as a reflection of the calibre of the modern British boxing scene.
The backdrop of the Egyptian spectacle, displaying the legendary pyramids of Giza, provided a perfect platform for Britain’s boxing ambassadors to make their mark on the international scene. Sheeraz’s rise to a global champion, alongside Catterall’s progression towards undisputed status, indicates a promising era for British boxing. These achievements showcase years of rigorous training and tactical planning, placing both fighters as legitimate contenders able to compete against boxing’s elite operators and likely generating future blockbuster home clashes.