Sheeraz On Next Contract's Career Significance

Hamzah Sheeraz enters his last contracted bout with Queensberry Promotions insisting the next deal he signs will be the biggest of his career.

The middleweight titleholder told Ring Magazine that he is weighing his options after this fight, though Queensberry remains a candidate to retain him. "When it's all said and done, I'd like to have done well from it and I believe the next contract I sign will be the most important of my career," Sheeraz said, per Bad Left Hook.

The IBF has ordered Sheeraz to face Janibek Alimkhanuly, who returned an adverse finding but remains the mandatory challenger. Sheeraz accepted the fight in principle but has not received an offer from DAZN, Queensberry, or Top Rank. With the bout headed to purse bids, he expects the financial terms to fall well short of what the biggest fight of his run should command. "I just have a funny feeling it won't be reasonable because I don't see there being much value in the fight from his side or else I would've got an offer from Top Rank," he said.

Sheeraz reflected on his path from unheralded prospect to champion, noting that few expected him to beat Tyler Denny for the European strap on enemy turf. That win changed the trajectory. "It was from that day that people started to believe in me," he said.

On Canelo Alvarez's upcoming clash with Christian Mbilli, Sheeraz predicted a late stoppage or wide decision for the Mexican. He called Mbilli tailor-made for Canelo, a stationary target who does not move his feet. Sheeraz fights next under Queensberry before free agency begins.