Hamzah Sheeraz targets world honours and admits KOs must continue to become a ‘household name’
- Seb Sternik
- 29 August 2023
Hamzah Sheeraz is setting his sights on big goals after making quick work of Dmytro Mytrofanov in Poland.
While the whole world was consumed with the Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois low-blow controversy, Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz improved his professional record to 18-0.
The 24-year-old needed just two rounds to beat Dmytro Mytrofanov and continue forging his path towards a potential world title shot.
This was the first outing for Sheeraz in over nine months as the middleweight took care of a hand injury.
However, the Brit is now looking forward to stepping up after producing the 14th knockout victory of his pro career.
Speaking of knockouts, Sheeraz admitted that the only way to build hype in the sport is through impressive stoppages.
He told Planet Sport: "Most people don't really understand what they're watching apart from seeing someone get knocked out.
"The boxing fanatics know and they appreciate a skilful boxer who knows what he's doing, but when the push comes to shove, if you really want to be a household name, you need that power to knock people out. It starts turning heads. Nowadays, that's what 70% of the boxing public want to see."
When asked about the growth of YouTube and influencer boxing, the middleweight added: "You kind of just have to say, it is what it is. These YouTubers have built up their fanbases, from doing whatever they're doing. They could've chosen any sport, but they chose boxing because it shows how entertaining the sport actually is.
"But I suppose it is what it is, it's all about making money in today's boxing. It's more of a business than it is a sport."
After successfully defending his undefeated record, Sheeraz is now looking to contend with the very best.
When asked how fast he wants to progress to world honours, the Brit said: "As soon as possible.
"Whether it's December or early next year, I know I've got what it takes. It's just about showing it and showing it on fight night. Whenever the opportunity is presented to me, I'll grab it with both hands."
