Sheeraz walked down Begic after early punch landed

Hamzah Sheeraz says his world title victory against Alem Begic was decided by the opening exchanges. The light middleweight said his opponent turned defensive from the first punch.

“It was simple - I saw he was very negative from when I landed the first punch. After that it was about walking him down and getting out of there. That is what we've done.”

— Hamzah Sheeraz, via BBC Sport

What Hamzah Sheeraz said

Sheeraz won a world title at light middleweight against Begic. The victory continues his push in a division where sanctioning-body rankings shift constantly. Begic came into the bout as the challenger, and Sheeraz now holds a belt at 154 pounds.

What it moves

Sheeraz told BBC Sport that his approach was straightforward once he sensed Begic retreating. The quote suggests a front-foot performance from the opening bell. Whether Sheeraz moves up in weight or defends next remains open, but he has planted his flag at light middleweight.

Source: bbc.com. Full Hamzah Sheeraz fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.