🥊 Sheeraz Knocks Out Berlanga in Statement Victory at Super Middleweight
Sheeraz knocks out Berlanga in Round 5 of their super middleweight showdown at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, delivering a brutal finish that solidified his status as a rising force in the division. With the dominant win, Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 17 KOs) became the mandatory challenger to Canelo Alvarez’s WBO title, making a powerful statement in his 168-pound debut.
🔥 Redemption After Controversy: Sheeraz Rebounds From Adames Draw
After a heavily disputed draw in his previous bout against Carlos Adames, Sheeraz entered this fight with something to prove. Not only did he move up in weight, but he also switched trainers — partnering with former middleweight champion Andy Lee.
“I told him I could hunt this guy down, and he believed me,” Sheeraz said of Lee. “That belief made the difference.”
This renewed approach paid off as Sheeraz displayed patience early on before unleashing a relentless attack from Round 4 onward.
🧠 Tactical Shift and Explosive Offense
The first three rounds were evenly matched. Berlanga worked behind a sharp jab and stood strong in the clinch, trying to control distance. However, Sheeraz’s variety in punches — including hooks to the body and pinpoint overhand rights — began to break Berlanga’s rhythm.
In Round 4, Sheeraz absorbed a clean left hook and responded with devastating combinations. A late-round flurry sent Berlanga to the canvas twice. Although the round ended before Sheeraz could finish the job, the writing was on the wall.
💥 Round 5: Sheeraz Finishes Berlanga
Just 17 seconds into Round 5, Sheeraz landed a clean right cross after a blocked lead hook. Berlanga collapsed to the canvas, unable to continue. Referee David Fields immediately stopped the fight, awarding Sheeraz a dominant TKO victory.
“There was nothing stopping me tonight,” Sheeraz said. “After all the abuse I got, I came back stronger.”
🗣️ Andy Lee and Sheeraz React to the Finish
Trainer Andy Lee praised his fighter’s discipline and potential.
“We’re only scratching the surface with Hamzah,” Lee said. “He’s got heart, power, and the mindset to go all the way.”
The 26-year-old Brit, once criticized for lacking fire in his draw with Adames, silenced all doubters with a performance that was equal parts technical and savage.
🥇 Sheeraz Becomes Mandatory Challenger for Canelo
With this win, Sheeraz moves into position as the mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez’s WBO super middleweight title. Alvarez is currently preparing to face Terence Crawford on September 13, but Sheeraz’s name is now firmly in the mix for a future mega-fight.
“If I get the opportunity to fight Canelo, I won’t try to win on points — I’ll stand and trade,” Sheeraz promised.
📋 Full “Ring III” Fight Card Results:
- Hamzah Sheeraz def. Edgar Berlanga via 5th-round TKO
- Shakur Stevenson (c) def. William Zepeda via unanimous decision (118-110, 118-110, 119-109)
- Subriel Matias def. Alberto Puello (c) via majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 115-113)
- David Morrell def. Imam Khataev via split decision (94-95, 96-93, 95-94)
🙋 FAQs
❓Who won the fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Edgar Berlanga?
Hamzah Sheeraz won via fifth-round TKO in Queens, New York.
❓What’s next for Sheeraz?
He’s now the mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez’s WBO super middleweight title.
❓How did Sheeraz win the fight?
He knocked Berlanga down twice in Round 4, then finished him with a right cross early in Round 5.
❓Did Berlanga show signs of recovery?
He appeared dazed after the knockdowns, and the referee stopped the fight just seconds into Round 5.
