Hamzah Sheeraz feels confident ahead of his fight in Egypt. The English super-middleweight contender is set to challenge for the vacant WBO title against Alem Begic.
Sheeraz said at today’s final press conference: “This is what dreams are made of, with the help of [trainer] Andy Lee, my team, let’s make history. I feel like the stars are aligned and it’s a meant-to-be moment.”
Begic Acknowledges Sheeraz’s Talent
Begic admitted: “Hamzah is a world class talent, a world class boxer and the future of boxing.”
He added, “And believe it or not, love him or hate him, he will definitely be world champion one day – but from my side Saturday will be my moment to shine.”
Usyk and Others on the Giza Bill
The Giza bill is topped by the contest between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven. Richard Torrez Jnr faces Frank Sanchez in an IBF eliminator for the right to face Usyk.
“The hard work’s been done,” Torrez said. “I’ve been in camp since January, for five months, and I can’t wait to be in the ring. I couldn’t wait in March [when the fight was first scheduled for] and it got postponed but now I can show what I’ve been working on.
Torrez continued, “In order to show your skill, you have to show that against someone skilful. I think Frank Sanchez is a formidable opponent who has been in with incredible competition and I want to show that I’m right there with them.”
Sanchez said, “I just want to get back to where I belong. Get back to my spot and be the first Cuban heavyweight champion… He’s a great boxer but I’m a more technical boxer and I’ll show that on Saturday.”
Catterall vs. Giyasov for WBA Title Opportunity
Jack Catterall is fighting Shakhram Giyasov at welterweight for the WBA title. The winner gets the right to fight Rolly Romero.
“It’s a great opponent in Shakhram but I’ve worked too hard to be denied on Saturday,” Catterall said. “I’ve prepared hard and trained well and no matter what he brings, I’m taking that belt… When it comes down to it, I’m better in all departments.”
Giyasov stated, “I have more motivation. I’ve been working eight years for this fight and I will do it. I’m ready. He’s a good fighter, he’s a good boxer, but I’m 100 per cent ready.”
Asked why Romero had not fought him yet, Giyasov quipped: “I think he’s scared of me. He’s run, run, run.”
The fights are scheduled for Saturday.