AN APPEALING domestic clash between Hamzah Sheeraz and Callum Simpson has been proposed for the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s expected rematch.
The two super-middleweights have found themselves on vastly different trajectories, with Sheeraz, 22-0-1 (18 KOs), having already earned his crack at a world title.
But while many expected him to dethrone WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, or at least give a strong account of himself, a lacklustre performance in February saw the 26-year-old come under heavy criticism.
It was not long, however, before Sheeraz moved up to 168lbs and secured a fifth-round finish over Edgar Berlanga, reminding fans of his dynamite power and undeniable talent.
Ahead of that fight last month, boxing paymaster Turki Alalshikh had even promised that, with a win over Berlanga, the Ilford man would earn himself a lucrative showdown against Canelo Alvarez in 2026.
But of course, undisputed super-middleweight king Canelo must first enter his blockbuster encounter with Terence Crawford on September 13, at which time Sheeraz’s manager, Spencer Brown, believes that the next steps should become much clearer.
Depending on the result, a dustup with European, British and Commonwealth champion Simpson, 18-0 (13 KOs), could make perfect sense for later this year.
“The interim fight is against Callum Simpson,” Brown told Boxing News. “I think it’s an exciting fight; I think that Callum’s a great fighter.
“I think Callum Simpson is a bit behind Hamzah Sheeraz, with everything – he doesn’t bang as hard as Hamzah, but he can fight.
“I’d love to see that fight; I think it would be a big fight in England. [But] we can’t have talks until we find out what happens with Canelo, because the Canelo fight has been promised to Hamzah.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen – Crawford might come in and ruin the whole party. If that happens, I would like to see Hamzah against Callum on the undercard of [Eubank-Benn 2].”
Eubank, 35-3 (25 KOs), and Benn, 23-1 (14 KOs), are set to square off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, on November 15, entering the 13th round of what was a hellacious battle, which Eubank edged on points, in April.
The show is expected to involve Boxxer and Matchroom Boxing, their respective promoters, with Simpson, a Boxxer fighter, perhaps looking to land himself an undercard opportunity.
Sheeraz, meanwhile, is signed to Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, but should nonetheless have the freedom to appear on what looks to be a Ring Magazine card.
