Teddy Atlas, the veteran American boxing trainer and commentator, has named Mohammed Hamzah Sheeraz as the sport’s next major star following the Briton’s emphatic victory in Egypt. Performing at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23, 2026, the 26-year-old Hamzah Sheeraz secured the vacant WBO super middleweight world title after stopping Alem Begic by knockout in the second round. Using social media to voice his approval, Teddy Atlas noted that while boxing organizations often sanction questionable title bouts, the British fighter did exactly what was required by disposing of his opponent quickly.
The win at the Pyramids of Giza improves Hamzah Sheeraz’s professional record to 24 wins, zero losses, and one draw. With 19 of those victories ending by way of knockout, his 83% KO ratio continues to make him one of the most dangerous threats in the division. Teddy Atlas acknowledged the disparity in quality between the two fighters but emphasized that the Slough-born champion possesses the talent and charisma necessary to lead the sport into a new era.
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Hamzah Sheeraz, who stands 6′ 3″ with a 75.2-inch reach, has been professionally active since signing with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions on his eighteenth birthday. His ascent to world-title status follows a streak of impressive results, including a fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga in July 2025. That win served as a WBC super middleweight title eliminator and solidified his position as a global contender. His technical growth under trainer Andy Lee has been compared to cases where other rising stars have employed a disciplined jab strategy to overcome elite opposition.
Teddy Atlas ignores criticism to praise Hamzah Sheeraz
The reaction from Teddy Atlas was particularly significant given his reputation for being a harsh critic of the modern boxing landscape. “The way these Organizations put fighters in Title bouts is truly ridiculous, but Sheeraz did what he should & got rid of him quickly,” Teddy Atlas stated. He followed the critique with a bold prediction, labeling the Briton “the next Star in the Sport!” It is a sentiment shared by many who have watched Hamzah Sheeraz transition from the light middleweight ranks to his current dominance at super middleweight.
The fight against Alem Begic was a clinical display of the physical advantages Hamzah Sheeraz holds over his peers. By utilizing his orthodox stance and long reach, he controlled the pocket until the opening presented itself in the second round. The bout was broadcast live on DAZN PPV and BBC Radio 5 Live, providing the British public a front-row seat to what many consider a career-defining moment. This title win follows his previous success at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, where he claimed European, Commonwealth, and WBC “Silver” titles by stopping Tyler Denny.
Path to the vacant WBO super middleweight title
The road to the WBO crown was not without its administrative hurdles. On December 22, 2025, the WBO had initially ordered Hamzah Sheeraz to begin negotiations with Diego Pacheco for the then-vacant title. However, Diego Pacheco later removed himself from those negotiations, which opened the door for the eventual match with Alem Begic in Giza. This pattern of mandatory orders has defined Hamzah Sheeraz’s recent career, including a WBC mandate on December 3, 2025, for a fight against Christian Mbilli.
Before moving up to claim the WBO strap, Hamzah Sheeraz faced a major test in Saudi Arabia. In February 2025, he fought Carlos Adames to a split draw in a 12-round contest for the WBC World Middleweight championship. Despite the draw, the experience of going the full distance against a top-tier champion in Riyadh added a layer of resilience to his game. This maturity is why pundits now believe he is ready for even larger names, even as legends like Vasiliy Lomachenko contemplate their own ring returns in different weight classes.
Future matchups and a potential Canelo Alvarez clash
With the WBO super middleweight title secured, the focus shifts to who will challenge Hamzah Sheeraz next. While he currently has no fight scheduled, the list of potential opponents is formidable. Names such as Jaime Munguia, Callum Simpson, and Jacob Bank have been linked to the new champion. However, the most significant name on the horizon remains Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, should the Mexican superstar choose to remain at 168 pounds to defend his standing.
The promotional muscle of Queensberry Promotions suggests a homecoming bout in the United Kingdom could be next. Frank Warren has often spoken about Hamzah Sheeraz’s potential to become a household name, and a defense on British soil would capitalize on the momentum generated in Egypt. For now, the champion can celebrate a nearly flawless professional journey that has seen him box 105 total rounds with only one minor blemish on an otherwise perfect record.
As Teddy Atlas noted, the tools for superstardom are all present; the challenge now is maintaining that trajectory under the world-title spotlight.
