HAMZAH Sheeraz looks to go ‘back to basics’ after linking up with esteemed trainer and former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.
The 25-year-old joins a flourishing stable, including the likes of Joseph Parker, Paddy Donovan and Ben Whittaker, after parting ways with stateside coach Ricky Funez.
Under the tutelage of Funez, two destructive stoppages over Austin Williams and Tyler Denny, in particular, saw Sheeraz, 21-0-1 (17 KOs), establish himself as a formidable middleweight contender.
After enjoying a strong run of form in 2024, the Brit then entered by far the toughest test of his career against WBC titlist Carlos Adames last February.
In that fight, Sheeraz looked a far cry from his usual, assertive self and instead produced a largely passive performance, allowing Adamas to take control down the stretch.
But still, while many believed that the more seasoned champion had done enough to emerge victorious, Sheeraz ultimately came away from his first outing at world level with a draw.
Soon after his dustup, the Ilford man revealed a photo of his injured hand while his promoter, Frank Warren, insisted that the towering technician’s future lies at super-middleweight.
In any case, though, Lee will now be at the helm when it comes to preparing Sheeraz for his next assignment, of which fans await an official announcement.
Having previously worked with Tyson Fury, while also training a gym full of fighters in Dublin, Ireland, Lee has more than earned his stripes as an accomplished trainer.
Not only that but, in using what he learned from Emanuel Steward, one of the greatest trainers of all time, the Irishman has taken an effective, old school approach to his work.
That, among other things, is what inspired Sheeraz to switch up his training situation.
“I’ve always been studying him [Lee],” Sheeraz told Boxing King Media.
“I used to watch him a lot when he was a fighter, but never did I think I would train with him until I started seeing how he works in the corner, and started seeing him around the Fury team.
“I went to watch a training session with him and Ben Whittaker to see how he was working with Andy. It was great, man.
“It’s old school training, back to basics, learning how to use what you have to the best of your advantage.”
