Hamzah Sheeraz makes an appearance with Ring Magazine to talk about his coming of age story in the sport of boxing, how his career developed, and how he’s looking to make the most of this next portion of his career as he believes it’s paramount to both reach his goals and maximize his earnings. Here are some excerpts from him below with the full video interview at the bottom.
On making a name for himself in the sport
“Early in my career I wasn’t touted to be a star. I didn’t have a decorated amateur career and it was kind of ‘take each fight
as it comes and see where he goes, see if it’s worth investing in him, see if it’s worth giving him opportunities.’ Then it comes to my first European title fight, which was on away soil in the opponent’s back home, and I’d say 99% of people kind of had me down to lose that fight just kind of peg along as a domestic level fighter. And I come through that fight with flying colors and it was from that day that people started to believe in me.”
On being ordered to defend against Alimkhanuly
“He’s got an adverse finding and he’s been mandated to fight me. Okay, it is what it is, we’ll fight, we accept the fight, we’ll crack on. I haven’t had an offer from anyone yet. So, I haven’t got an offer from DAZN, I haven’t got an offer from Queenberry, I haven’t got an offer from Top Rank. Now the fight goes to purse bids, so we’ll see what happens.
“But at the same time I like to believe we’re prizefighters, we fight for the right amount of money. And even if it’s a little bit less, fair enough, it is what it is, but I believe it going to come to a point where the money is considerably low for the biggest fight of my career.
“So, for me, it doesn’t really make sense, especially being a champion as well. But it is what it is now…I just have a funny feeling it won’t be [a reasonable purse] because I don’t see there being much value in the fight from his side or else I would’ve got an offer from Top Rank.”
On going into his final fight with Queensberry
“I’ve been with [Queensberry] from the start, done wonders for me. So when I say ‘exploring my options’ they could well be an option as well. I’m not saying I won’t re-sign with them but I like to believe I’m an honest man, I’ve had this conversation with them as well…When it’s all said and done, I’d like to have done well from it and I believe the next contract I sign will be the most important of my career.”
On Canelo vs Mbilli
“I don’t see it being the end of Canelo…Canelo’s last three performances, or two performances, have been against slick — I wouldn’t say negative fighters — William Scull, very negative. He’d make anyone look bad….Crawford is Crawford. He’s a special fighter. You could put anyone in with him and he’s dealing with them, it’s as simple as that.
“I truly believe that Mbilli is tailor made for Canelo. He doesn’t move his feet, he comes forward, he’s there to be hit and I believe Canelo will get him out of there late. And I believe if he doesn’t get him out late, he’ll have a very comfortable unanimous decision victory, but in an active fight.”
