Hamzah Sheeraz: British-Pakistani boxer becomes WBO Champion

British-Pakistani boxer Hamzah Sheeraz secured the first world title of his professional career on Sunday after defeating Germany’s Alem Begic in Egypt to win the vacant WBO super-middleweight championship.

The 26-year-old delivered a dominant performance, aggressively pressing forward from the opening bell and immediately putting the experienced 39-year-old under pressure with a series of powerful punches.

The fight came to an emphatic end in the second round when Sheeraz landed a decisive left hook to the body, sending Begic to the canvas. The German fighter failed to beat the referee’s count, resulting in a stoppage victory for Sheeraz, according to BBC Sport.

Moments after the victory was confirmed, Sheeraz dropped into prostration inside the ring before celebrating with his trainers and team members.

The win also earned him the vacant WBO belt previously held by retired American boxing star Terence Crawford.

Speaking after the bout, Sheeraz said he had successfully capitalised on early momentum and called on other fighters in the 168-pound division to face him at world level.

The British-Pakistani boxer entered the title fight in strong form following a series of high-profile victories, including a stoppage win over Edgar Berlanga in New York City and a European middleweight title triumph against Tyler Denny at Wembley Stadium in 2024.

Sheeraz’s latest success has been widely celebrated by boxing fans in both United Kingdom and Pakistan, with many describing the victory as another major achievement for British-Pakistani representation in international boxing.