British professional boxer Hamzah Sheeraz will face German challenger Alem Begic for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight World Title on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The 26-year-old Sheeraz, an undefeated prospect from London with a record of 22-0-1, is moving up from the middleweight division to contest for his first major world title. The 12-round bout serves as the co-main event of the “Glory in Giza” card, supporting the heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.
The news of the matchup follows a search for opponents in the 168-pound class. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that Alem Begic was secured after Diego Pacheco reportedly turned down the opportunity. “Pacheco obviously didn’t want it,” Frank Warren stated, adding that the matchup is a “very winnable fight” for his charge. Hamzah Sheeraz has characterized the championship opportunity as a “meant-to-be moment” as he seeks to secure a foothold among the world’s elite fighters.
While the jump to 168 pounds marks a significant professional shift, Hamzah Sheeraz has built his reputation largely in the middleweight division. He previously secured the European, Commonwealth, and WBC “Silver” middleweight titles. His most recent outing was a knockout victory over Edgar Berlanga in July 2025, which followed a split draw against Carlos Adames for the WBC World Middleweight Championship. This experience in high-stakes environments suggests the underdog has potential to thrive even when fighting far from home.
Chasing a future clash with Canelo Alvarez
Possessing a 6′ 3″ frame and an 82% knockout ratio, Hamzah Sheeraz views the WBO title as a gateway to even larger international prizes. He specifically named Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez as his ultimate target. “I must admit it would be nice to get Canelo still,” the British fighter said. He believes that winning the title on May 23 would place him in a position to obstruct Canelo Alvarez’s path to remaining the undisputed champion of the division.
The move to super middleweight is a calculated risk for the undefeated Brit. His previous success at 160 pounds included dominant stoppage wins over Liam Williams and Austin “Ammo” Williams. However, the 168-pound division features different physical demands. Despite the shift in weight, Sheeraz remains confident that his power will translate. Fans interested in the Egyptian landscape may recall Canelo Alvarez was recently spotted in Egypt, adding a layer of intrigue to Sheeraz’s championship quest in Giza.
The Giza event features a dense undercard beyond the co-main event. In addition to the heavyweight bout between Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez, the night includes Jack Catterall facing Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA World Welterweight belt. Mizuki Hiruta is also scheduled to defend her WBO super-flyweight title against Mai Soliman. DAZN will broadcast the entire Pay-Per-View event to audiences in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Reaction from WBO contenders on the Giza selection
Not every observer is pleased with the selection of the German challenger for this vacant belt. Jacob Bank, the WBO’s No. 3-rated contender, expressed frustration with the timing of the announcement. He claimed the decision to finalize the Sheeraz vs Begic bout “crossed the line” and described it as a “very poor matchup.” Jacob Bank argued that his own recent activity should have put him in stronger consideration for the title opportunity.
Despite his criticisms, Jacob Bank does not expect the fight to be competitive. He predicted that the contest “won’t go the distance,” estimating that Hamzah Sheeraz will stop Alem Begic before the fifth round. He further challenged the British fighter to honor a previous verbal agreement to defend the title against him should Sheeraz emerge victorious in Giza. This friction highlights the intense competition within the WBO rankings as fighters vie for championship status.
The logistics of “Glory in Giza” present a unique backdrop for professional boxing. Fighting outdoors near one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World introduces environmental variables that few modern fighters have encountered. For Hamzah Sheeraz, the night represents more than a stylistic test against Alem Begic; it is the culmination of a decade spent climbing the ranks from his professional debut in 2017 to the brink of world honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What world title is at stake in the Sheeraz vs Begic fight?
Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic are competing for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight World Title. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds at the 168-pound weight limit, marking Sheeraz’s first major world championship opportunity since moving up from the middleweight division.
How can fans watch the fight on May 23?
The event will be broadcast live via DAZN Pay-Per-View in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The fight is part of the “Glory in Giza” card, which will also be available to international streaming audiences through the DAZN platform.
Who is the main event of the Glory in Giza card?
The main event features Oleksandr Usyk against Rico Verhoeven for the WBC, WBA, IBF, and The Ring heavyweight titles. The Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic fight serves as the co-main event on the same evening at the Pyramids of Giza.
