Sheeraz survives stern test against Zachenhuber
Hamzah Sheeraz laboured to a split decision victory over Simon Zachenhuber on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Saudi Arabia, with judges scoring the contest 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 in the Londoner’s favour. The WBO super-middleweight champion, who claimed the vacant title with a second-round stoppage of Alem Begic in Egypt, found himself booed by sections of the crowd after a performance he later admitted lacked intensity.
Sheeraz acknowledged he had been too comfortable at times, switching off when no immediate threat presented itself, but insisted the win was all that mattered. The 25-year-old confirmed he will be ringside on October 31 to watch Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC belt, signalling his intention to pursue the Mexican superstar next.
Kelly overcomes gruesome cut to retain title
Josh Kelly survived a horrifying clash of heads in the eleventh round that left his face covered in blood to secure a unanimous decision over Caoimhin Agyarko and defend his IBF light-middleweight crown. The scorecards read 115-112, 115-112 and 114-113 for the Briton, though the Irishman insisted he had done enough to win and vowed to become the first Black Irish world champion.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents both Kelly and unified champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, said a transatlantic showdown between the pair is now a realistic option. Kelly echoed that sentiment, targeting a three-belt unification fight in America, while Hearn suggested the bout could represent a major payday before mandatory obligations return.