Beterbiev v Bivol: Can Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz win world title on undercard and be next boxing superstar?

This weekend’s fight comes on the undercard of the contest between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

If he beats Dominican Adames, Sheeraz will join greats Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran in having held the prestigious green and gold WBC middleweight belt.

He predicts this would be the first of many title wins, while there are also, rather premature, suggestions from Saudi organisers of a showdown with Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez next year.

But Sheeraz’s career has not always been full of such promise.

“From what I’ve come from to where I am today is literally zero to hundred,” he says. “I had no amateur pedigree and financial head start.”

He has dealt with doubters throughout his career, most notably after a controversial win over Bradley Skeete in 2021.

There have been two constant firm believers in Sheeraz’s potential, though.

To fund his early pro career, Sheeraz has said his family fell into £800,000 worth of debt and the fighter has made it his mission to repay them.

“It would mean everything and more to my family for me to win the world title,” he adds. “They have always understood the assignment, the ups and downs.”

Queensberry boss Frank Warren – drawing on his 45 years of promoting experience – has wisely managed Sheeraz’s career. Step-up fights have come at perfect points and his profile has been gradually built, allowing the fighter time to learn the ropes of pro boxing.

“That loyalty will always stay with me,” says Sheeraz.