A star is born – Hamzah Sheeraz showed his class with a quick stoppage win over Liam Williams
Promoter Frank Warren hailed his young prospect as the next Tommy Hearns: “I genuinely believe a star is born”
Middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz (19-0, 15KO) defeated Liam Williams (25-5-1, 20KO) in one round in an incredible performance in London on Saturday, February 10.
The brilliant Briton extended his unbeaten record to 19 fights, dropping Williams twice thanks to his blistering speed, and announced himself on the world scene with such a statement win.
It was Welshman Williams who threw the first punch of the fight – a range-finding jab – but Sheeraz replied with jab back that landed. Then the 24-year-old was throwing one-twos in the first minute, confident to open up early, then dropped the world title contender with a crisp jab down the middle just 53 seconds into the 12-round contest.
Another weighty, speedy jab through the guard wobbled Williams’ legs so the Ilford man went in for the kill, trapping the two-weight British champion on the ropes, but he survived until an uppercut dropped him again moments later. The brave 31-year-old got back to his feet but a double left hook had ‘The Machine’ weakened again, prompting long-term trainer Gary Lockett to throw in the towel.
Sheeraz, 24, delivered on his promise to make a statement by stopping Williams.
“I had a lot of doubters going into this fight [who] thought I wasn’t able to keep up with this calibre of fighter,” Sheeraz said.
“I do my talking in the ring. When I get in here, I entertain.”
Williams had cut a confident figure all through fight week, suggesting Sheeraz’s team had made a serious mistake in choosing him, but that fire was soon dampened within seconds of the opening bell ringing.
Sheeraz’s jab will now be lauded as one of the best in the business right now. It was so crisp, powerful and accurate, it was taking Willams’ legs away from him very early. It will surely be feared by any future opponent, who could be Chris Eubank or Liam Smith if the Essex youngster gets his wish.
Promoter Frank Warren celebrated with Sheeraz at ringside as one of his brightest young stars produced a career-best performance against his most dangerous opponent to date.
Warren suggested fellow Englishman Chris Eubank Jr as Sheeraz’s next opponent, heaping praise upon his talented fighter.
“He reminds me of Tommy Hearns in a big way with that jab. He takes you out with it. The power he has with it is unbelievable,” Warren beamed.
“I genuinely believe a star is born and I genuinely believe he will win a world title and hold that title for as long as he likes.”
The WBC #4 middleweight has kickstarted his year in style and will be in good company with the likes of Chris Eubank Jr domestically, then world champion Jermall Charlo could be an option towards the end of the year.
Undercard Results
Sam Noakes W-TKO 4 Lewis Sylvester
Anthony Yarde W-TKO 3Marko Nikolic
Karol Itauma W-PTS 8 Eros Seghetti
Aloys Youmbi W-KO 1 Milosav Savic
Tommy Fletcher W-TKO 3 Alvaro Terrero
Umar Khan W-TKO 3 Maicol Velazco
Billy Adams W-PTS 4 Engel Gomez
Sam King W-TKO 3 Bartosz Glowacki
Charlie Hickford W-TKO 3 Yin Caicedo