Hamzah Sheeraz’s Defining Night: A Career On The Line Against Edgar Berlanga In New York

On the eve of what might be the most important night in his boxing career, Hamzah Sheeraz is getting ready.

He will compete in a bout that will likely determine his future in the sport on July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. In a high-stakes match with big consequences, the British boxer is stepping up from middleweight to super-middleweight to take on the aggressive New Yorker Edgar Berlanga. Following a poor performance just four months prior, the decision was made to increase the weight. Sheeraz fought Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title in Riyadh, but he had trouble getting into the swing of things.

The judges declared the fight a draw, allowing Adames to keep his championship even though he appeared to be the more dominant fighter the entire time and was generally considered the legitimate winner. The outcome made Sheeraz seriously doubt his preparedness for the top level. Sheeraz has an opportunity to turn his life around and find forgiveness in this impending fight with Berlanga. Berlanga poses a risk as well as a chance because of his aggressive style and early knockout streak.

A victory over Berlanga in the United States would greatly increase Sheeraz's visibility and possibly put him in the running for a title in a new division. This is an opportunity for a fighter whose potential has frequently exceeded his performances to demonstrate that he is one of the finest in boxing. Spencer Brown, the manager, thinks this is more than a fight. He saw it as a turning point, the kind of discovery that could turn Sheeraz from a bright young talent into a world-renowned celebrity. 

Error is not an option, though. Sheeraz has been trying to regain momentum, but another lacklustre performance could throw it off. Everyone will be watching Sheeraz to see how he reacts as training intensifies and the attention increases. The potential is as great as the challenge. In addition to facing Edgar Berlanga on July 12, Hamzah Sheeraz will also be battling to change the course of his career.