Middleweight and unification world title target Hamzah Sheeraz still favors Chris Eubank Jr.

HAMZAH SHEERAZ believes he still has three or four fights at middleweight before he moves up in weight.

The 6ft 3ins world title contender started his career at super-welterweight (154lbs) before adding the six pounds needed to campaign at middleweight, which starts in March 2022. Since then, the 25-year-old has won six of six – including a win over Liam Williams and Austin Williams – cementing his reputation as a real force in the division.

Talking to Debate News recently Sheeraz has set aside part of his plans for the time he left at 160lbs.

“I think I have three fights out of 160. My plan is to win the world title and consolidate it. But I don't know how true that is because the weight is heavy. And it gets a little stronger every time. In an ideal world, I think maybe three, four fights away from 160.”

Sheeraz and his promoter, Frank Warren, were speaking to various media at the latest event after the stunning success of Queensberry Promotions in Riyadh on June 1. The five-man team competed against nominees Eddie Hearn who represented Matchroom Boxing but the Essex outfit was destroyed on points. last 10-0 to Queensberry.

The five matches themselves produced plenty of drama and drama including Sheeraz – who was named Queensberry's captain – stopping Austin Williams for 11.^th elimination round for the WBC world title.

“Being given the whole role of captain, when I was first told about it, I was like, okay, cool, you're the captain,” he said. “Hold the four points. And until the week of the fight, we had that kind of real group charisma and energy, and it was great.

“And I'd like to give a big shout out to Willy Hutchinson for developing that, definitely, because he's a character. He is definitely a character. And we all supported each other. The good thing is that before my fight, Willy got a win, and Nick Ball won.

“The ball just rolled, put us in a good mood, and put us on the front foot right away. Everyone is doing their own thing and doing what they have to do. Even the 'Big Bang' [Zhilei Zhang]. He was part of the team like everyone else.”

Sheeraz hopes to hear news about his next fight in the weeks before camp starts in July. Not only did he fight for the WBC title, Carlos Adames, he is the first WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. This Saturday (June 15) Adames defends his belt against Terrell Gausha and on July 13 Alimkhanuly – the holder of the IBF belt – puts his title on the line against Andrei Mikhailovich. But one name, one fight that continues to interest Sheeraz is Chris Eubank Jr.

“I think if it's going to be in the UK, a war, it makes sense. Great British domestic dust in the middle. I think the Conor Benn fight, the fight with me, is the only one that makes sense to him. And I believe he will get what he wants financially. I understand you asked for a lot. But you have to look at who supports these games now and who is in charge. Honorable Turki Alalshikh.

“And as long as he's going to keep her happy, I'm sure he'll get what he wants or get what he deserves. And he will be able to share the ring with me whenever he comes.”