Hamzah Sheeraz Exclusive - Does he feel pressure being supported by boxing's most powerful man?

Hamzah Sheeraz faces the most important fight of his life this weekend as he headlines a stacked show in New York City, live on DAZN PPV. 

The British star, one tipped for greatness, is aiming to prove doubters wrong against Edgar Berlanga this Saturday night following a disappointing showing against Carlos Adames back in February.

 

Aiming to become world champion at middleweight, Sheeraz was bullied on the inside for long periods of the fight, but his unbeaten record was preserved when the ringside judges scored the fight a draw. 

In the immediate aftermath of that tough battle, Sheeraz made several changes, one of them being a move up in weight and that is where Berlanga is waiting for him.   

• Read more | Christopher Walker - Sheeraz vs Berlanga: The most important fight of their lives

During the Adames fight, Sheeraz received instructions from His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, when the fight appeared to be slipping away from him. 

Recently, Alalshikh also tweeted his support for Sheeraz in his upcoming fight against Berlanga stating that a knockout win for the 25-year-old is the best result with plans already in place for potential future showdowns against Chris Eubank Jr and Canelo Alvarez. 

Sheeraz has long been a favourite over the Saudi power player, and he admits that having his support does not bring any distractions. 

“He’s genuinely supported me from day dot,” said Sheeraz when speaking to DAZN News during a media roundtable session. 

“He has shown me so much love, so it is only right that I get in there and put on the kind of performance that he is expecting from me. 

“There’s no pressure from him. It’s more of an honour if anything.”

Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 exclusively live on DAZN PPV, Saturday, July 19. Buy the PPV now here