Hamzah Sheeraz says his trainer Andy Lee has been the “missing piece” in his boxing puzzle ahead of his latest crack at world title glory in Giza this weekend.
The unbeaten Brit challenges Alem Begic for the WBO super-middleweight title on May 23 on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven undercard in Egypt in front of the iconic Pyramids of Giza.
Sign up for the Sport newsletter
Thank you!
Hamzah Sheeraz says Andy Lee was the “missing piece” to his boxing puzzle Credit: Golden Boy via Getty Images
Sheeraz will compete for the vacant WBO world super-middleweight title in his second fight at 168lbs Credit: Getty Images
In an exclusive sit-down with JattvibeSport, Sheeraz admitted the reset following his controversial draw with Carlos Adames has completely changed both his mentality and style inside the ring.
The 27-year-old revealed he piled too much pressure on himself during his first world title shot at middleweight against Carlos Adames.
But after moving up to 168lbs and linking up with former world champion Lee, Sheeraz believes he is now finally becoming the fighter he was always supposed to be.
He said: “The first one going into it, I put so much pressure on myself because from being a young kid I’ve always wanted to win a world title.
WORLD BOXING SCHEDULE
FULL calendar & results including Anthony Joshua’s huge comeback
MORNING AFTER
Molly Mae and Tommy Fury spotted out day after he skipped Venezuela’s wedding
“I put so much pressure on myself that ultimately affected the decisions I made physically in the fight.
“And now it’s just like, listen, I’m enjoying myself. I’ve made the right move. I’m at a better weight for myself.”
Sheeraz then opened up on why he made the difficult decision to leave his old coaching setup behind after the Adames draw.
And he admitted working with Lee has already unlocked parts of his game he previously struggled to maximise.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Andy Lee also trains Ben Whittaker Credit: Getty Images
He said: “I just felt like I needed… there was something missing, that’s no disrespect to my old coach or anything like that. But it was more of a me puzzle to complete.
“And then I made the move to Andy Lee and I feel like, Alhamdulillah, so far it’s what the missing piece was.”
The towering super-middleweight also credited Lee for helping him use his physical advantages far more efficiently.
Sheeraz added: “It’s how I’ve been using my attributes, my long limbs, my stance and punching at the end of your punches. I feel like it’s the right move for me.”
The Ilford ace is part of Lee’s stable, which includes heavyweight Joseph Parker, and has also spent this camp training alongside Ben Whittaker and Paddy Donovan.
And despite being viewed as one of Britain’s brightest talents, Sheeraz insisted he is nowhere near the finished article.
He said: “I wouldn’t even say 50 per cent. I have no ego. I know that I outwork most of these fighters when it comes to being dedicated and professional.
“When the lights come on, I get the results. And that’s ultimately all that matters.”
Sheeraz welcomes a fight against Canelo Alvarez should he win on May 23 Credit: Getty Images
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There’s a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
Oleksandr Usyk takes on the king of kickboxing Rico Verhoeven and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois.
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring in July to face Kristian Prenga ahead of a potential blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury later in the year.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to make a comeback after his defeat to Terence Crawford, while Dave Allen will also be looking to get back to winning ways against Filip Hrgovic.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of Moses Itauma, Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
Here’s all the big fights coming up…
May
Sat 23 – Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven – WBC title – DAZN
Sat 30 – Dmitry Bivol vs Michael Eifert – DAZN
Sat 30 – Adam Azim vs Steve Claggett – DAZN
June
Sat 6 – Fame Fighting v Misfits Boxing – The Jattvibe
Sat 6 – Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello – WBC super lightweight title – DAZN
Sat 6 – Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki – Paramount+
Sat 13 – Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall – DAZN
Sat 13 – Antonio Vargas vs Jesse “Bam” Rodrigues – DAZN
Sat 20 – Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi – DAZN
Sat 27 – Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – DAZN
July
Sat 25 – Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga – DAZN
*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue.
And if everything falls into place, the Brit is already dreaming of future mega-fights against Canelo Alvarez in the UK.
Sheeraz said: “Get him over to the UK, get Diljit Dosanjh to perform a walkout song.
“A fight like that in the UK wouldn’t just be a boxing fight. It’d be massive. It’d be in the history books of sport.”
