Middleweight title hopeful Hamzah Sheeraz represents one of the United Kingdom’s best chances at picking up a world title, boasting sensational knockout power and an undefeated record. Now, it appears as though the Berkshire-born contender will have his shot at world honours, with terms agreed for a maiden challenge at the 160lb crown.
After two stoppages in his first six bouts, Sheeraz (21-0) has strung together a run of 15 consecutive knockouts to thrust himself into world title contention, being ranked in the top six with all four sanctioning bodies.
During 2024, the 25-year-old knocked out world title challenger Liam Williams, undefeated American prospect Austin Williams, and EBU European champion Tyler Denny in an impressive trifecta of outings to gain worldwide recognition for his skills, drawing flattering comparisons to legendary middleweight Thomas Hearns.
As such, it was the poster boy and unified WBO & IBF champion of the division, Janibek Alimkhanuly, who Sheeraz appeared to be eyeing up, for an ambitious and confident world title charge.
That fight was then ordered by the WBO, but purse bids for the contest were continuously pushed back until yesterday, when it was announced that Sheeraz and his team had pulled out of negotiations.
As many expected, today’s reports from Dan Rafael have confirmed that Sheeraz withdrew from purse bids as an alternate deal had been lined up, instead opting to target WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, as per Fight Freaks Unite.
“Sheeraz will face WBC titlist Carlos Adames in a fight being planned for the Riyadh Season card being put together for Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources with knowledge of the details told Fight Freaks Unite.
“Queensberry Promotions, which recently signed Sheeraz to a contract extension, was in talks with Premier Boxing Champions to match him either with Adames or WBA titlist Erislandy Lara but they agreed on the Adames fight, one of the sources said.
“While Adames-Sheeraz is not yet signed the camps have agreed to terms, the sources said.”
Adames-Sheeraz will be a part of the February 22nd card that is anticipated to be headlined by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who is being linked to a showdown with undefeated German Agit Kabayel in the main-event.
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