Hamzah Sheeraz vs Liam Williams – Who wins this cracking middleweight clash?
Hamzah Sheeraz (18-0, 14KO) and Liam Williams (25-4-1, 20KO) clash in the capital this Saturday night, February 10, live on TNT Sports.
Undefeated Sheeraz defends his WBC Silver and Commonwealth belts to experienced Welshman Williams at the Copper Box Arena.
The Ilford 160-pounder wants the biggest names in Britain at middleweight but he has to get past world title contender Williams first, in what will be the 24-year-old’s biggest test yet.
But who wins this 50-50 clash? BBN’s panel of experts provided their picks below:
Billy Joe Saunders (Two-weight World Champ): “I think Liam Williams by knockout or Hamzah by points. But I wouldn’t really outcast any result in this fight because it really is a 50-50 fight.
“It’s time for Hamzah to show what he’s about, if he can step up the levels, because this is a couple of levels step-up; I take my hat off to him.
“Good fight boys, good luck to both of ya, may the best man win.”
Amir Khan (via Planet Sport): “I’m leaning towards Hamzah, he’s got the speed, the power, the movement and he hits very hard for his weight division, I don’t know if Williams will be able to take the power.
“My prediction is Hamzah to win between rounds 8 to 10, but Williams is still a dangerous opponent who can hit hard and been in there with the big names in boxing.”
Wayne Alexander (Former British & European Champ): “The fight this weekend between Sheeraz and Williams is a testing fight for both.
“Liam Williams is the more experienced, beating some good quality fighters in the past to become a respected champion.
“Hamzah Sheeraz is the younger and less experienced with a lot more to prove, I believe.
“Boxing is all about timing and I think that Williams has seen better days and will do well to see the last round, getting stopped before round eight.”
Akeem Haynes (Boxing YouTuber): “For me, it’s Sheeraz 51%, Williams 49%. Think it’s a close fight, but I think the younger, hungrier, more aggressive man will win this fight.
“I’m leaning towards Sheeraz because I think the height and reach will help him in this fight, especially if he uses his jab early.”
Oskari Metz (European title contender): “Sheeraz is tall and powerful, but it’s a step up for him against the experienced Williams.
“Williams fought Fox in 2019, so he has some experience fighting taller guys.
“I think it’s a competitive match-up but I think Sheeraz will win this one on points.”
Burim Sylejmani (Boxing Promoter): “This will be a great fight. I think Hamzah Sheeraz is the favourite.”
Tim Rickson (BBN Editor): “I think Hamzah Sheeraz is on the ascension, whereas Liam Williams has had his best years already.
“If Sheeraz can use his rangy, snappy jab to keep Williams at range and off-rhythm, right from the opening bell, then I think he can dictate and dominate the contest and be able to start putting his combinations together to land more damaging shots as the fight goes on.
“Williams, I expect to make this a rough, tough affair, and will apply the pressure throughout. There could be some sticky moments for Sheeraz, but also for Williams, who will put himself at risk if he’s too aggressive and not cautious enough, because Sheeraz is fast and can land any variety of punches.
“12 rounds is a long time, both men have got high KO ratios – each around the 80% mark – so I’m picking Sheeraz to win by stoppage.”
Arijan Goricki (IBO title contender): “I think that Sheeraz will win comfortably. I don’t think that Williams is as motivated as he was in the past.”
Sam Condy (BBN Writer): “I think this will be Hamzah Sheeraz’s toughest fight to date. Williams is his toughest and most experienced opponent by quite some distance.
“However, I do think Sheeraz will pull through as long as he comes into the fight with the right game plan. Williams has a fantastic finishing rate, with Sheeraz’s tendency to shell up when he needs a breather, the older man could put some pressure on and give Sheeraz some problems.
“Despite this, I predict Sheeraz will use his size and reach advantage alongside a snappy jab to prevent Williams from breaking inside, and he will eventually wear down his man leading to a stoppage in the later rounds of the matchup.”
Ace Adam (Super-middleweight): “I believe Hamzah is going to secure the victory in this fight, and if the bout extends, Liam will undoubtedly face a considerable challenge. Nonetheless, I anticipate Hamzah emerging triumphant. Wishing both fighters the best of luck.”
Oscar Pick (BBN Writer): “Hamzah Sheeraz could have the highest ceiling out of every British fighter under the age of 25. Aside from his devastating power, he always seems to find a rhythm that makes it difficult for his opponents to time their shots.
“In terms of Sheeraz’s career progression, Liam Williams is the perfect test for him at this stage. The Welshman may have faltered slightly after losing to Chris Eubank Jr, but his durability and power – with 20 KOs in 25 wins – should provide enough resistance to make this a competitive fight.
“I see it going the distance, with Sheeraz having ample success but not having the experience to force a stoppage, as Williams will prove that he is still a credible name in the middleweight division.”