Sheeraz faces Alem Begic in Egypt with win placing him into Canelo discussion at 168
Hamzah Sheeraz will fight Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title on May 23 in Egypt. A win would move him into the mix for a future fight with Canelo Alvarez.
Sheeraz is due to face Alem Begic on May 23 in Egypt for the vacant WBO super middleweight title on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk against Rico Verhoeven. A win would hand the unbeaten Brit a world title and strengthen his position for a future meeting with Canelo Alvarez.
“I must admit it would be nice to get Canelo still,” Sheeraz told The Ring. “If I become world champion on May 23, I’ll be in the way of him becoming undisputed.”
Sheeraz recently said he still wants the Canelo fight and believes becoming champion could place him directly in line if Alvarez looks to regain titles when he returns.
The matchup with Begic is being viewed as a major opening for Sheeraz. Begic is 39 and far less established than other names in the division, making this a significant chance for Sheeraz to collect a belt and move into a much bigger commercial lane.
Once titleholder status is attached to his name, Sheeraz becomes a more attractive option for major event backers looking to stage a high-profile Alvarez return. He brings an unbeaten record, UK market value, size at 168 pounds, and a title that could be used in a larger storyline.
That does not guarantee the fight will happen next, but the route is clear. If Sheeraz wins in Egypt, he moves from contender talk into championship business overnight.
For Sheeraz, May 23 may be less about winning a vacant belt and more about securing entry to the biggest table in the division.
Alvarez is expected to return later this year after elbow surgery, and his next move will be watched closely across the division. With several belt-holders in place, promoters now have multiple options, but a newly crowned Sheeraz would immediately enter that conversation if he handles Begic.