Hamzah Sheeraz (23-0-1, 19 KOs) claimed the vacant WBO super-middleweight title with a second-round stoppage of Alem Begic (29-1-1, 23 KOs) on the Usyk vs Verhoeven undercard, becoming a world champion for the first time in his career.
Sheeraz put in a controlled performance against the 39-year-old Begic, who was immediately troubled by his power. A crushing body shot ended the fight in the second round, with Begic taking a knee before the referee stepped in to wave off the contest. The WBO title had been vacated by Terence Crawford ahead of the fight. Canelo Alvarez was seated ringside watching the performance, with a potential future clash at 168lbs immediately drawing attention. Sheeraz welcomed the matchup.
“If Canelo wins, that is up to him [if he fights me]. He is one of the GOATs in boxing, so to share the ring with him would be an honour. If I get the opportunity, I’ll definitely be getting the win,” Sheeraz