Sheeraz vs Begic: Briton wins super-middleweight title with stoppage win

Sheeraz announced himself on the world stage on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s world title defence against Rico Verhoeven, with the pyramids of Giza providing a striking backdrop.

Begic came in with a record of 29 wins and one draw, but the 39-year-old was largely unknown to the wider boxing public.

From the opening bell, the gulf in class was clear. Sheeraz, fresh off a career-best stoppage of Edgar Berlanga last summer, controlled centre ring behind a sharp jab – his key weapon – mixing in heavy hooks to the body.

“Great starting round,” his trainer Andy Lee said from the corner.

The referee took a close look after a thudding right hook midway through the second round, before Begic was sent to the canvas moments later, wincing in pain.

Sheeraz had fallen short in his previous world title attempt at middleweight but has appeared far more comfortable at the higher weight.

Despite the limited opposition, he has steadily progressed into one of British boxing’s most improved operators.

If a showdown with Alvarez fails to materialise, other unification options remain with Jaime Munguia holding the WBA belt and Osleys Iglesias the IBF title.

“To be honest, I did what I was meant to do. Now it has got me on to the world stage and I am calling on all of the 168 pounders,” he added.