Hamzah Sheeraz says a battle between him and Canelo Alvarez stays potential for early 2026, regardless of the Mexican star’s loss to Terence Crawford final Saturday night time. Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) is not sure if Canelo will wish to return to the ring in February.
Hamzah states that he’d wish to battle Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) for his 4 tremendous middleweight belts subsequent if he doesn’t get the Canelo battle. He’s the WBC obligatory for that belt.
Sheeraz on the Canelo Battle
“I might nonetheless battle Canelo. I don’t know if he would battle as quickly as February, although,” mentioned Hamzah Sheeraz to Ring Journal about him nonetheless being eager about preventing Canelo Alvarez regardless of his loss to Terence Crawford final Saturday.
That might be fascinating if Canelo wound up preventing Sheeraz subsequent, somewhat than a rematch with Crawford or Dmitry Bivol. Alvarez didn’t give any hints after the battle final Saturday about who he needs to battle subsequent.
If Canelo chooses to not battle a rematch with Crawford, Sheeraz could be a wonderful alternative. Canelo must be much more aggressive than he confirmed in opposition to Crawford, and he couldn’t afford to fade within the championship rounds.
Sheeraz could be extra harmful for Alvarez than Crawford because of his dimension, energy, pace, and aggressiveness.
Hamzah’s Problem to Crawford
“I’d similar to a shot on the titles. Crawford has acquired them on the minute. If he stays on the weight, I’ll battle him. I don’t see him happening. There are not any large fights for him at 160. Even at 154, you may rule that out. I’d be one of many larger fights for him,” mentioned Sheeraz.
There’s an opportunity that Hamzah might get a title shot in opposition to Crawford, however that will rely upon Turki Alalshikh wanting that matchup. If he decides to do the Canelo vs. Crawford rematch, it might take away the opportunity of Sheeraz getting a title shot. Crawford’s coach, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, might have some enter on whether or not he’d comply with Bud preventing Sheeraz.
Final Sunday, ‘BoMac’ made it clear he’s not eager about David Benavidez as Crawford’s subsequent opponent. He additionally dismissed the opportunity of a battle between Crawford and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, saying that the Philadelphia native doesn’t wish to battle him. That was ‘BoMac’ talking for ‘Boots,’ which is a transparent sign that it’s McIntyre who doesn’t need the battle. There’s numerous danger for Crawford preventing the quickly enhancing Ennis.
The unbeaten Sheeraz views Crawford because the “king of the game” now following his win over Canelo. He can now get the most important fights which have been out of his attain all these years.
Hamzah is the WBC obligatory challenger for the tremendous middleweight title that Crawford now holds. So, even when he vacates the belts, Sheeraz will likely be on the entrance of the road to battle for them in opposition to the highest-ranked obtainable contender. That might be #2, Jaime Munguia.
Way forward for the Belts
If Crawford frees up the 4 168 titles by vacating them for no matter motive, it’ll “open up the division,” says Sheeraz. The contenders can battle for the 4 belts, and we might quickly have a scenario the place there are 4 champions.
That might be helpful for boxing as a result of it offers extra alternatives for fascinating fights in comparison with the best way it’s now, with Crawford holding all 4 belts. If he returns to his once-a-year schedule of preventing, that will be the worst potential factor for the 168-lb division. He would sit on the titles, simply as he had together with his WBA junior middleweight belt after capturing it 13 months in the past on August 3, 2024.
Sheeraz isn’t positive if Crawford will retire and quit his 4 titles. He factors out that now could be the time for him to “capitalize” when it comes to enterprise following his win over Canelo. He could make some huge cash by taking over fighters like Hamzah.
Sheeraz says he’d be open to preventing Diego Pacheco for one of many world titles or in a title protection. Nonetheless, he doubts Pacheco will keep at 168 for for much longer as a result of he’s shortly outgrowing the division.
Final Up to date on 09/15/2025
