Remember the name: Hamzah Sheeraz is a champion in the making

DUBAI: The comparisons with past world champions are impossible to resist, but they’ll have to wait. A few minutes in the company of British-Pakistani boxer Hamzah Sheeraz and it’s clear you’re in the presence of a unique talent.

The WBO European junior-middleweight champion is at Real Boxing Only gym in Dubai’s Al-Quoz, preparing for shot at the WBO International title in November.

He’s only 22, and he could just be boxing’s next big thing.

“Boxing has always been in my family,” Sheeraz said. “My uncle was a boxer, he was an eight-time English champion, represented Great Britain in a few tournaments as well, and at the age of eight he took me to a gym, and since that day I’ve never looked back. I fell in love with it straight away, and the older I got, the more I understood the sport and my love grew for it.”

Born in Slough, England, the 6ft 3in (1.9 meter) fighter already has a professional record of 13 wins and no losses, and despite his tender years, often talks like a veteran.

“I was entering competitions at the age of 10 and onwards,” said Sheeraz. “I’m 22 now so it’s a long time I’ve been competing in boxing. It’s almost like it’s the only thing I know. Some people prioritise education, some people prioritise other things in life but boxing for me is my priority, always has been. And I’m lucky I had family support as well.”

Sheeraz admits he was a “late maturer” and struggled with confidence from the age of 10 to 17.

“When I started knocking my opponents out, then I realized, okay there might be something there, and I can unlock that potential from within,” he said. “Then at the age of 17 I got offered a pro contract by Frank Warren. I was blessed because I wasn’t really a standout amateur, but he gave me the opportunity to display my skills on such a big, big platform on BT Sports.”

As part of Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Sheeraz made his professional debut against Duane Green in 2017. The second-round knock-out win got people “talking about me”, he said.

“Over the years I kept doing the same thing, and then I fought for my European title and I knocked someone (“Ruthless” Ryan Kelly) out who had never been knocked out before, and from there my confidence just grew.” he added. “Not long ago, about three years ago, that’s when I thought, alright, we’re going to get to the top. I’ve got a good team, I’ve got my base here in Dubai, I’ve got my base in LA, I’ve got my base in England. Everyone plays their part, and I’ve been very blessed.”

Sheeraz credits working with renowned boxing trainer Ricky Funez for his continued excellence.

“I’ve only been with him for two fights, and he’s played a massive part in my career because he’s worked with world champions,” he said. He’s seen it, he’s been there, he’s done it, he’s got the T-shirt, as they say. And for me, in big fight situations he’s so calm. I have full faith in him.”

Sheeraz’s two boxing heroes are obvious, though in very different ways.

“Growing up, my inspiration was definitely my uncle, he’s the one that took me to the gym, and I used to watch him and be like, I want to be like that guy, I want to do what he’s doing,” said Sheeraz. “I wanted to get to the level that he’s got to and even further, which I have done. So he was my inspiration.”

The second is the man who Sheeraz has had to field the most comparisons with in his young career.

“Amir Khan, obviously, he was only British Pakistani at the time, on live TV, doing his thing, I used to watch him [growing up],” said Sheeraz. “But now is my time. I’m here, I’ve been working hard under the radar for many years, almost 10 years. And now I’m starting to get the support and it’s all about shining and each fight is getting better and better and better.”

He accepts the comparisons with Khan are inevitable, because of their backgrounds, but highlights clear differences in their career paths.

“They’re always going to be there,” he said. “He’s done his thing, he’s got to the top of the sport. You can’t knock anything he’s done in boxing, but I’d like to do my own thing, not in a selfish way, but otherwise you’re always going to be in the shadows of someone else. Even if I was to win a title, I’ll still be in his shadow. It’s not a bad thing, but personally I’d like to go my own route because if you compare, he was a silver medalist [at 2004 Athens Olympics], had done some great things in the amateurs. As soon as he turned pro, boom. Lights, camera, action, big pay days.

“I was the complete opposite, I had an amateur career but it wasn’t too good,” he said. “I had no live TV coverage before my debut and in my first few fights. So I’ve kind of done it in the complete opposite way to him. And now it’s almost like where I’m getting now, is where he started. I’d love to do it my own way, where I can pave the way for other athletes. Not Olympians, not gold medalists, silver medalists, but just for kids who have not had the opportunities in amateurs. I need to get there first obviously, win a world title, and I can say I’ve done it.”

After two weeks of training in Dubai, Sheeraz is heading to Los Angeles to team up with Funez again, before returning to England for November’s fight against a yet unnamed opponent.

“I’ve been training extremely hard,” he said. “By the time I’ve done this camp I know for a fact that come fight night you’ll see the best version of me.”

And that world title shot?

“Of course, of course, hopefully within the next year maybe,” Sheeraz said. “Slowly but surely. When get there, I want to stay there.”