The unbeaten British champion says he is focused on unification fights after criticism surrounding the Alem Begic matchup
Hamzah Sheeraz says he has stopped worrying about pleasing boxing fans after criticism surrounding his WBO super middleweight title victory over Alem Begic in Egypt. The unbeaten British champion says his attention is now fully focused on unification fights and becoming undisputed at 168 pounds.
“A few fights ago, I’d say yeah, because I was more kind of living to please others and seeking validation from boxing fans,” said Hamzah to Ring Magazine. “But in all honesty, in the most respectful way possible, I couldn’t give a f*** now. It’s just about chasing the dream still. I’ve won a world title now, but I want more. I’m not content. I want unification fights.”
Sheeraz pointed to the reaction he received before his earlier fight against Edgar Berlanga, saying fans criticized that matchup as being too dangerous, only to later complain that Begic was not a tough enough opponent.
“When I fought Berlanga, it was, ‘You shouldn’t take this fight. It’s too hard. It’s too risky.’ Took it and won it. Then this one was too easy. Do you see what I mean?” said Sheeraz. “I’m just doing me, man. Chasing my dreams, chasing my goals, and doing it for me and my team.”
The 27-year-old already has his eyes on bigger fights at 168. Sheeraz called out Canelo Alvarez after the fight and said he believes he can eventually become the undisputed champion in the division.
“I truly believe that I can become undisputed at 168,” said Sheeraz. “All the champions are great champions, so any of them, man. We’re here now. We’re at that level, and now it’s about getting the biggest fights and getting as many of the titles as I can.”
To fully unify the division, Sheeraz would likely need fights against IBF champion Osleys Iglesias, WBA titleholder Jaime Munguia, and the winner of the planned September fight between Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli for the WBC belt.
