Sheeraz Opens Door to Canelo Fight After Berlanga Knockout

The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh has reacted to British super-middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz’s (22-0-1, 18 KOs) knockout of Puerto Rican Edgar Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs).

On his social channels the impresario announced that Sheeraz can now stake a claim to face undisputed super-middleweight king Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) next year.

“Hamzah now deserves a fight with Canelo in 2026,” Turki wrote.

Asked about the possibility of meeting Canelo, Sheeraz answered candidly and with respect, stressing that such a chance would be both a true challenge and a great honor.

“Canelo has always been my boxing hero, so just hearing my name in the same sentence as his is already a big achievement for me.

If I get the chance to face him, it won’t be one of those fights where I try to steal a points win. I’ll stand with him in the centre of the ring and fight openly. Whoever lands first will probably win.

After my previous outing no promoter would have given me this opportunity. His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) gave me a chance to bounce back quickly. I spoke with him on Monday and he said, ‘Give me a good fight,’ and I kept my word,” said Sheeraz.

Reminder: In the early hours of 13 July, Hamzah Sheeraz knocked out Edgar Berlanga, dropping him three times—twice in the fourth round and once in the fifth—before the referee waved it off for a KO 5 finish.

Photo: DAZN