On July 10, 2025, it became evident that things weren’t going well for Hamzah Sheeraz during his fight when even his promoter and one of boxing’s most influential figures yelled at him in the ring. Sheeraz was widely expected to claim the WBC middleweight title from Carlos Adames last February, heralded as England’s next big boxing star and a key fighter in Frank Warren’s stable. However, as the fight went on, it was clear Sheeraz was struggling, which was reflected in the shout-outs from Warren and Turki Arlacik at ringside.
Warren later admitted to telling Sheeraz in the corner that he couldn’t win the last three rounds. The fight ended in a disappointing draw, leaving Sheeraz without the title or a defining moment. It was later disclosed that Sheeraz was fighting with broken hands and had serious difficulty making the 160-pound weight limit. This led to wholesale changes in his career.
The first major step was moving up to the super middleweight division, with an upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga in New York scheduled for early Sunday morning. Additionally, Sheeraz changed his training team, relocating to Ireland to work with Andy Lee, one of the best coaches in the sport right now. Whether the draw against Adames was a reality check or just a bad day, Sheeraz aims to make a big statement in the US and prove he remains Britain’s rising star.
Sheeraz expressed excitement about facing a challenging opponent on US soil, noting that such high-profile fights generate buzz and make his job more straightforward in terms of gaining attention. Before his fight with Adames, Sheeraz had an impressive 15-fight knockout streak, showcasing his clear talent. His move to Dublin after years in Los Angeles was refreshing, helping him break out of repetitive habits and routines.
He described his new coach, Lee, as confident and straightforward, and highlighted Lee’s successful track record as a former world champion and coach—for example, helping fighters like Joseph Parker and Ben Whitaker achieve notable victories after setbacks. Sheeraz acknowledged that switching things up was necessary to improve and compete at the world level, hoping that his upcoming fight would be seen as a turning point.
Frank Warren, Sheeraz’s promoter, recognizes the tough challenge ahead in New York, particularly against a fighter like Berlanga, who has a bullying style and is confident in his abilities. Warren emphasized that Sheeraz is prepared for a hard fight and must stay sharp.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for boxing fans as it highlights the resilience and evolution of a promising fighter adapting to setbacks. Sheeraz’s journey underscores how top talent can revitalize their careers through strategic changes, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the super middleweight division.
