Rico Verhoeven attempts one of the biggest upsets in boxing history when he takes on unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk. On the undercard, Alem Begic challenges for a world title, but enters the bout against Hamzah Sheeraz as an even bigger underdog than Verhoeven. Is the unknown German being overlooked or overmatched?
Before focusing on Begic, it is important to note the quality of his opponent, Sheeraz, who enters the bout as an extremely heavy favourite following a devastating beatdown of Edgar Berlanga on his super-middleweight debut last time out.
The Slough-born operator has been labelled Britain’s answer to Tommy Hearns, and the 26-year-old could be capable of taking over the 168lb scene, particularly given the apparent fading powers of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, whom he may well face next year if both are successful in their respective title challenges.
However, whilst Sheeraz has impressed in recent stoppage wins, his displays against Bradley Skeete at super-welterweight and Carlos Adames at middleweight were underwhelming, and each ultimately prompted a move up in weight. That being said, he already looks far more comfortable at 168lbs, the struggle to cut weight appearing less severe.
Begic, 39, was born and raised in Munich and remains unbeaten across 30 professional bouts, with a 2019 draw against Tiran Metz – whom he later defeated – the only blemish on his record. Before turning professional, he also compiled a solid 84-16-2 amateur career.
Standing at 5ft 11in, the 6ft 3in Sheeraz will hold a clear size advantage over the German. The fact Begic is a southpaw also may not trouble Sheeraz too much, given his recent wins over lefties Ammo Williams and Tyler Denny.
Meanwhile, when looking at Begic’s recent opposition, the only man to take him the distance was David Kerkmann, who entered their September 2024 clash with an 18-0 record before losing a wide unanimous decision. Kerkmann has since fought an eye-catching 17 times and been stopped in three further defeats, including a second-round loss to Derby’s Alan Graves.
The underdog works the body well and throws combinations intelligently, though he has largely been allowed to do so without much resistance coming back his way. While manoeuvring himself into a title opportunity without facing recognised world-level opposition may provide him with the biggest payday of his campaign, it also will likely spell trouble.
It was a run of three wins, including victories over Kerkmann and Mahdi Safdari, that earned Begic and the WBO European super-middleweight title. Similarly to Kerkmann, Safdari’s form since losing to Begic perhaps offers a reflection of the level Sheeraz will be facing on Saturday night.
On paper, this looks like a hugely difficult assignment for the German and most expect Sheeraz to make a statement in emphatic fashion. Still, boxing consistently shows how quickly expectations can unravel, and Begic will arrive in Egypt believing he is capable of shocking the world. The fact that most disagree will hopefully give him the fuel to put up a good fight for the fans.
