HAMZAH Sheeraz has put the measure of his character firmly on display, responding to the first setback of his career with a fiercely tenacious approach.
He would have been forgiven, of course, for entering a far easier assignment – designed as little more than a tune-up fight – following his languid stab at world honours.
But instead, the 26-year-old has leapt straight back into the deep end, removing the need for a lifeguard, or even a pair of armbands, as he attempts to keep his head above water.
On the surface, Sheeraz, 21-0-1 (17 KOs), appears his usual, laid-back self, but deep down, as his spindly legs continue to kick – almost uncontrollably – he finds himself in the thick of a gruelling, psychological battle.
Before even entering the ring this Saturday, the Ilford man has doubtless put his mind through the trenches, scrutinising each factor that contributed to his draw against WBC world middleweight champion Carlos Adames.
And yet, whether it was the weight, his coach, or a hand injury that ultimately produced a lacklustre performance last February, Sheeraz has, much to his credit, focused on rectifying every area of weakness.
Affording himself an extra 8lbs, while also joining forces with trainer Andy Lee, the boxer-puncher has seemingly left no stone unturned ahead of his clash with Edgar Berlanga.
Yet crucially, it seems that this time around, the mental fortitude of Sheeraz, and not so much his physical prowess, will be put to the test at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, New York.
For whatever reason, the super-middleweight contender remained hesitant to let his hands go against Adames. While a whole host of explanations could be made, that chink in his armour will have likely weighed heavily on his mind ever since.
Judging by Sheeraz’s demeanour throughout the fight week build-up, too, it appears that, even now, there is an element of uncertainty attached to his mentality.
But equally, there exists an almost tangible sense of confidence, mixed in with just the right amount of nerves, whenever he is placed in front of a camera.
For him, that represents an encouraging sign, almost as if to say that, while having been put through the wringer – both mentally and physically, but more so mentally – he has, in equal measure, confronted the demons that emerged soon after his last outing.
Berlanga, 23-1 (18 KO), on the other hand, oozes a degree of confidence where, in truth, it is difficult to determine just how genuine his mindset really is.
The 28-year-old is gearing up for his first meaningful fight since a comprehensive points defeat to Canelo Alvarez last September, back when he unapologetically celebrated shortly after finding himself on the receiving end of a boxing lesson.
The fact that he still claims to have beaten the super-middleweight king, too, suggests that any accusations of delusion are not too far removed from the truth.
Yet still, his power alone represents enough of a danger to keep Sheeraz on his toes, sharp enough to pre-empt any thudding attack that comes charging towards him.
But that, at the same time, could be exactly what the visitor needs, as nothing inspires discipline quite like a barrage of ferocious attacks, flung from all kinds of unorthodox angles.
With a more polished set of attacks and, indeed, an apparent psychological edge, Sheeraz is therefore capable of outboxing Berlanga through 12 treacherous rounds.
Edgar Berlanga vs Hamzah Sheeraz Fight Prediction
Should his mindset prove as impressive as it seems, Sheeraz is then likely to establish his long jab, while also gaining Berlanga’s respect early doors.
Beyond that, the Lee-trained operator possesses enough power to keep his man at bay, consolidating his rhythm on the outside before claiming a points victory.
