Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz claimed his first world title with a devastating second-round stoppage victory against Alem Begic to capture the vacant WBO super-middleweight crown in Egypt. The 26-year-old London native asserted his dominance from the opening bell, breaking down the outclassed German opponent with crisp straight punches and uppercuts before a body left hook sent Begic to the canvas. The 39-year-old couldn’t beat the count as the official stopped the contest. Sheeraz now possesses the title left behind by retired American Terence Crawford and has come considerably nearer to a possible dream fight with Mexican boxing star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who was present at the victory.
A statement win in Cairo
Sheeraz made his mark on the global platform with a dominant display on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship defence against Rico Verhoeven, with the famous pyramids of Giza providing a impressive setting to his breakthrough. From the opening bell, the difference in calibre between the two fighters was immediately obvious. The Londoner controlled centre ring behind a sharp jab—his key weapon throughout the bout—whilst mixing in heavy hooks to the body that visibly bothered his opponent. His trainer Andy Lee, observing from the corner, remarked approvingly after the opening round: “Great starting round.”
Begic, who came with a tally of 29 wins and one draw, proved relatively obscure to the broader boxing audience and wholly unprepared for Sheeraz’s technical superiority. The referee took a close look after a powerful right hook halfway through the second round before Begic was knocked to the canvas moments later, clearly grimacing in pain. Despite the limited opposition faced, Sheeraz has steadily progressed into one of the British boxing scene’s leading operators. His performance at super-middleweight suggested he has discovered his ideal weight division after falling short in a previous world title attempt at middleweight.
- Sheeraz has won 19 of his 24 pro bouts via stoppage
- He has gone the distance just once in his last 18 bouts
- Fresh off a impressive knockout victory against Edgar Berlanga in summer
- Now pursuing unification fights at super-middleweight after claiming vacant WBO title
The path to Canelo plus beyond
With the WBO super-middleweight crown now obtained, Sheeraz’s immediate focus centres on the exciting possibility of taking on Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican superstar who watched proceedings intently from ringside in Cairo. Alvarez is due back to the ring on 12 September in Riyadh, where he will hold his WBC super-middleweight belt against Christian Mbilli. Should the legendary Mexican emerge victorious, a title unification bout with Sheeraz could be the biggest opportunity of the Londoner’s career—a moment to prove himself against one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters.
Sheeraz was full of praise for Alvarez after his victory, acknowledging the scale of such a possible encounter. “There is boxing royalty ringside and I want to follow in their footsteps,” he declared. “I think he is one of the ‘goats’ of boxing, to share the ring with him would be an privilege. If I got the opportunity I would get the win for sure.” The 26-year-old’s confidence is grounded in his recent form and newfound comfort at super-middleweight, suggesting he possesses the ability to perform at the sport’s highest level.
Unification aspirations looming ahead
Beyond Alvarez, Sheeraz’s future plans involves strengthening his standing as super-middleweight champion and chasing unification fights against the holders of the remaining major world championships. His commanding performance against Begic has announced him as a serious contender in a weight class filled with formidable operators. The progression from middleweight, where he came up short in a earlier world championship bid, to super-middleweight appears to have unlocked his true potential as a boxer.
Matchroom’s investment in Sheeraz’s professional journey demonstrates their conviction about his capacity to establish himself as a true British professional boxing superstar. His knockout power—shown through 19 stoppage victories in 24 professional fights—alongside technical skill and ring intelligence, provides a compelling roadmap to success. If he faces Alvarez or chasing additional unification opportunities, Sheeraz has proven himself to be one of British boxing’s most talented talents with authentic elite-level credentials.
Catterall’s redemption arc moves forward
Jack Catterall’s pursuit of undisputed welterweight supremacy took another significant stride forward on the undercard in Cairo, where the 32-year-old Englishman secured a emphatic points victory over previously unbeaten Shakhram Giyasov. The dominant display earned Catterall the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title, bringing him substantially closer to a undisputed world title shot in a division filled with elite talent. His display underscored his status as one of British boxing’s most resilient operators, having weathered substantial obstacles to reach this juncture in his career.
Catterall’s trajectory has been characterised by victory and defeat, yet his unwavering determination has seen him rise as a legitimate championship challenger. The welterweight division stands as one of boxing’s most competitive arenas, inhabited by dominant titleholders and contenders alike. Catterall’s current triumph represents confirmation of his skilled technique and in-ring intelligence, qualities that have characterised his career resurgence and established him as a genuine danger to the welterweight pecking order.
- Catterall defeated unbeaten Shakhram Giyasov through dominant points decision
- Claimed the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title with dominant fashion
- Moved considerably closer to unified welterweight championship opportunity
From scandal to championship contention
Catterall’s path to this moment has been far from straightforward, characterized by controversial decisions and setbacks that challenged his resolve. However, his recent performances have showcased a fighter operating at peak condition, merging technical excellence with the physical capabilities needed to compete at welterweight’s elite level. His victory over Giyasov was a masterclass in disciplined aggression and strategic fight management.
The Englishman’s path towards undisputed status now appears increasingly achievable, particularly given the tough conditions at 147 pounds. With the WBA ‘regular’ title obtained, Catterall possesses the credentials necessary to challenge for the sport’s leading welterweight belts. His resurgence, shaped by adversity and perseverance, continues its upward trajectory with authentic title success within grasp.
British boxing’s revival on the global stage
Sheeraz’s success in Egypt marks a significant milestone for British boxing, demonstrating the calibre of domestic fighters competing at the pinnacle of the sport. The Londoner’s commanding performance against Begic, combined with Catterall’s commanding performance on the same card, emphasises a greater emergence of British fighters positioning themselves as genuine world-title contenders. Both men have demonstrated the technical proficiency and mental resilience necessary to excel in an increasingly competitive international arena, with their triumphs serving as a indicator of the calibre of the modern British boxing scene.
The setting of the Egyptian showcase, showcasing the renowned pyramids of Giza, created a fitting platform for Britain’s boxing ambassadors to establish themselves on the global boxing stage. Sheeraz’s ascent to a world title holder, paired with Catterall’s progression towards undisputed status, signals a bright future for British boxing. These achievements reflect extensive focused development and tactical planning, positioning both competitors as credible challengers equipped to compete against boxing’s leading champions and potentially delivering future blockbuster British showdowns.