In a compelling night of boxing at the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium, a venue more accustomed to the rhythmic thwack of tennis balls, British middleweight standout Hamzah Sheeraz delivered a seismic performance. He emphatically stopped Edgar Berlanga in the fifth round, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career.
This decisive victory, Sheeraz’s compelling debut in the super-middleweight division, was more than just another notch on his win column; it was a potent declaration of intent. The win has swiftly propelled him into serious contention for a coveted clash with undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.
A Masterclass at 168 Pounds
Sheeraz, known for his formidable power and aggressive style, proved unequivocally that his knockout prowess translates seamlessly to 168 pounds. The fight, initially a cagey affair with both fighters probing, burst into life dramatically in the fourth round. With precision and relentless aggression, Sheeraz floored Berlanga not once, but twice, leaving little doubt about the Englishman`s burgeoning dominance. Berlanga, an opponent who had previously gone the distance with the legendary Canelo Alvarez himself, found himself in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory, scrambling to regain composure as the bell mercifully ended the round.
Yet, the respite was brief. As the fifth round commenced, Sheeraz wasted no time, immediately unleashing a devastating three-punch combination that sent Berlanga to the canvas once more. The referee, recognizing the clear disparity and Berlanga`s compromised state, swiftly waved off the contest, awarding Sheeraz a technical knockout victory.
Post-fight, a confident Sheeraz declared, “Today there was nothing stopping me.” A sentiment few would dispute after such a commanding and comprehensive display against a well-regarded opponent.
The Road to Canelo: A New Contender Emerges
This performance serves as a powerful validation for Sheeraz, especially considering his previous outing – a contentious draw against Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title. Moving up a weight class often comes with questions about a fighter`s ability to carry their power and adapt to bigger opponents, but Sheeraz answered those emphatically and decisively. He has now firmly staked his claim in the super-middleweight landscape, placing himself squarely on the radar of boxing`s biggest name, Canelo Alvarez.
A potential matchup with Canelo Alvarez would be a monumental step for Sheeraz. While Canelo`s undisputed status and Hall of Fame resume speak for themselves, the rising British star`s youth, formidable power, and burgeoning confidence make him an intriguing, albeit formidable, prospect for the boxing king. The boxing world, always hungry for new challengers to established monarchs, will undoubtedly be watching closely as Sheeraz`s trajectory unfolds.
Supporting Card Highlights: A Night of Champions
The event also featured several other significant matchups, adding to the night`s excitement:
- Shakur Stevenson maintained his undefeated record and successfully defended his WBC lightweight title with a masterful unanimous decision victory over William Zepeda. Stevenson, showcasing his signature defensive brilliance and rapid-fire combinations, largely outmaneuvered his aggressive opponent, reaffirming his status as a top pound-for-pound talent.
- In another compelling title change, Subriel Matias edged out Alberto Puello via majority decision to claim the WBC super-lightweight belt, a gritty contest that highlighted the competitive nature of the division`s elite.
- Earlier in the night, Cuban talent David Morrell demonstrated remarkable resilience. He recovered from a fifth-round knockdown to secure a hard-fought split decision win over Imam Khataev in a captivating light-heavyweight clash.
Conclusion: Sheeraz`s Bold New Chapter
Hamzah Sheeraz`s dismantling of Edgar Berlanga was more than just a victory; it was a strategic masterstroke in his burgeoning career. By conquering a respected opponent at a new weight, he has not only silenced critics but has also confidently thrown his hat into the most lucrative and challenging division in boxing. The path to Canelo Alvarez may be fraught with peril, demanding even greater levels of skill and determination, but Sheeraz has confidently taken the first, decisive step towards achieving his world title aspirations.
Murray Blackwood