Callum Simpson Vs. Hamzah Sheeraz Talks Take Place

An all-British battle at super middleweight could be close, as negotiations continue for a clash between unbeaten fighters Callum Simpson and Hamzah Sheeraz for the EBU Super Middleweight Title.

The reigning champion, Callum Simpson (18-0, 13 KOs), has until October 28 to reach an agreement with Sheeraz’s team, or the fight will be sent to purse bids. Simpson captured the EBU crown in June, securing a 10th-round TKO victory over Ivan Zucco. A fight with ex-EBU titleholder Kevin Lele Sadjo was mentioned, but he will now box Diego Pacheco in December.

Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) is the former European middleweight champion. He moved up to 168 for his last fight, knocking out Edgar Berlanga in the fifth round. One fighter would lose their undefeated record, with an eye on a world title shot with a win.

The Approach

Simpson is an aggressive, high-volume pressure fighter as proven by his ability to rise from two knockdowns to stop Ivan Zucco. Simpson’s goal will be to force the pace, negate Sheeraz’s reach, and turn the bout into a punishing battle on the inside. He cannot afford to be an easy target on the outside, so he must use feints and head movement to slip under Sheeraz’s long jab. Once he enters the mid-to-close range, he must work the body to drain Sheeraz’s gas tank and slow down his footwork.

Sheeraz is a tall fighter for the 168-pound division. His approach will be centered on maximizing this significant physical advantage. He stands 6’3” and has a powerful jab and straight right hand that he uses to control distance and disrupt opponents before unleashing his power shots. Sheeraz could utilize a high-guard stance, moving just enough to maintain the mid-to-long range, constantly flicking his jab to keep the shorter, oncoming Simpson at bay. When Simpson closes the distance, Sheeraz will seek to use lateral movement to reposition himself, creating the angle for a devastating, short-range right uppercut or a powerful right hand.