Hamzah Sheeraz proved he is one of the brightest stars of British boxing by stopping Liam Williams in the first round of their Commonwealth middleweight title fight on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Sheeraz, who extended his unbeaten record to 20-0 with 15 knockouts, displayed his speed, power and accuracy as he overwhelmed Williams, a former world title challenger who had only lost to elite opponents in his career.
The fight started with both men trading jabs and looking for openings. Sheeraz landed a sharp right hand that caught Williams’ attention, but the Welshman fired back with a left hook. Sheeraz then unleashed a flurry of punches that forced Williams to retreat to the ropes. Sheeraz followed up with a vicious uppercut that dropped Williams for the first time.
Williams beat the count, but he was clearly hurt and shaken. Sheeraz sensed his opportunity and went for the finish. He landed another uppercut that snapped Williams’ head back, then a right hook that sent him to the canvas again. The referee had seen enough and waved off the fight, giving Sheeraz a stunning victory in just two minutes and 18 seconds.
Sheeraz celebrated his impressive performance by raising his arms and smiling. He then embraced Williams, who showed his respect and sportsmanship. Sheeraz said in his post-fight interview that he wanted to make a statement and show that he belongs at the world level. He also expressed his interest in fighting on the “5 vs. 5” card against Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom fighters in Saudi Arabia on June 1.
Williams, who fell to 25-5-1 with 20 knockouts, was gracious in defeat and praised Sheeraz for his skills and power. He said he was not expecting to be stopped so quickly, but he admitted that Sheeraz was the better man on the night. He said he would take some time off and decide his future in the sport.
Sheeraz vs. Williams was a thrilling fight that showcased the talent and potential of Sheeraz, who is only 24 years old and has plenty of room to grow and improve. He proved that he is ready to face the best in the division and challenge for a world title in the near future. Williams, on the other hand, suffered a setback that could end his hopes of another world title shot. He showed his heart and courage, but he was outclassed by a younger and faster opponent. Sheeraz vs. Williams was a fight that lived up to the hype and delivered a memorable finish.
