Hamzah Sheeraz destroyed Emir Begic in two rounds to win the vacant WBO super middleweight world title in Cairo, Egypt,

delivering a devastating statement on the global stage. The 26-year-old Londoner dropped Begic twice in the second, forcing referee Steve Gray to wave it off at 2:09. Sheeraz (22-0, 18 KOs) bossed the opener with his ramrod jab before detonating a right hand that sent Begic (24-1, 19 KOs) to the canvas. The Bosnian rose but was immediately swarmed by uppercuts and hooks, leaving Gray no option but to rescue him. “I told everyone I’d make a statement and I did just that – this is my time,” beamed Sheeraz. Promoter Frank Warren labelled the performance “world-class” and confirmed a massive UK homecoming defence. The historic North African event underlined Sheeraz’s global appeal. The stoppage was his eighth in a row, and at just 26, the new champion has the super middleweight division at his feet. Fighting for the first time in Africa, Sheeraz proved he belongs on the biggest stages. The future is blindingly bright for Britain’s newest world champion. Photo credit: Ring Magazine #SheerazBegic

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