Emerging British star Hamzah Sheeraz made a powerful statement in his super-middleweight debut, emphatically stopping Edgar Berlanga in the fifth round in New York. The victory is a significant one, not least because Berlanga is a durable opponent who recently went the full twelve rounds with undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
Sheeraz, known for his concussive punching power, dropped Berlanga twice in the fourth round before finishing the job just moments into the fifth. This performance was a stark contrast to his previous outing five months prior, a controversial draw against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, where many felt Sheeraz looked below his best.
According to promoter Frank Warren, that less-than-stellar showing was likely due to struggles making the middleweight limit. Speaking after the Berlanga fight, Warren noted, “His last fight, he was just dead at the weight.” The move up to 168 pounds appears to have revitalized the young fighter, allowing his natural power to shine through.
Warren was effusive in his praise, drawing a comparison to one of boxing`s all-time great knockout artists. “He`s been a knockout artist for a long time, stopping guys in style,” Warren commented. “He reminds me of a British Tommy Hearns!” This comparison is high praise indeed, placing Sheeraz in the company of a legendary multi-division champion known for his devastating right hand and tall, rangy physique (Sheeraz stands 6ft 3ins, two inches taller than Hearns). While Hearns carved his path through multiple divisions, Sheeraz is aiming for his first major world title at super-middleweight.
The win over Berlanga was more than just a showcase of power; it secured Sheeraz the mandatory challenger position for the WBC super-middleweight title, currently held by Canelo Alvarez. This guarantees him a shot at the sport`s lineal king, a monumental opportunity that could come as early as 2026, according to influential figures in the boxing world. For the fight to materialize, Canelo must first navigate his planned September defense against Terence Crawford.
When asked if he believed Sheeraz was ready for the significant challenge of facing Canelo now, Warren was unequivocal. “Yeah,” he stated, highlighting Sheeraz`s “good grounding” and the experience of fighting a recognized power-puncher like Berlanga in his opponent`s backyard. “A lot of people thought he was an underdog, but he came in and did what he had to do. It was devastating.”
With his devastating power performance and newly acquired mandatory status, Hamzah Sheeraz has firmly announced his arrival as a major player in the super-middleweight division. The road likely leads to Canelo Alvarez, a test that will reveal whether the “British Tommy Hearns” comparison holds true at the very highest level of the sport.
