Hamzah Sheeraz Dominates Edgar Berlanga: Aiming for Canelo Alvarez Showdown in 2026!

Hamzah Sheeraz may have secured a major opportunity to face boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez after his impressive win over Edgar Berlanga. In his super middleweight debut at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, Sheeraz stopped Berlanga in the fifth round, becoming only the second fighter to defeat him. Notably, Berlanga had previously gone the distance with Canelo in September.

Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) knocked Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs) down twice in the final rounds. The decisive moment came late in the fourth when a left hook sent Berlanga to the canvas. Despite getting back up, Sheeraz continued to attack, leading to a second knockdown in the fifth round. The referee halted the fight, further fueling Sheeraz’s rising star potential.

Boxing financier Turki Alalshikh hinted that Sheeraz could be in line for a fight with Alvarez in 2026, especially after Alvarez’s clash with Terence Crawford. This victory certainly raises Sheeraz’s profile, making it clear he aims for the biggest fight of his career soon.

In another highlight of the night, Shakur Stevenson defended his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda. Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) fought aggressively, delivering meaningful punch combinations and securing a unanimous decision victory, contrasting his usual defensive style.

Statistically, boxing matches with greater knockout rates have gained popularity. A recent survey showed that fans are increasingly drawn to exciting bouts rather than cautious fighters. Stevenson’s shift in strategy may reflect this trend, as he showcased a more thrilling performance than ever before.

In other bouts, Subriel Matias dethroned Alberto Puello for the WBC super lightweight title in a controversial majority decision. Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) will defend his title next against Dalton Smith, adding more excitement to an already dynamic division.

Light heavyweight David Morrell also faced adversity, recovering from a knockdown to win by split decision against Imam Khataev. This resilience highlights the unpredictability and thrill of boxing, where a fight can turn at any moment.

Boxing fans are buzzing on social media, sharing their thoughts on how Sheeraz’s knockout of Berlanga sets the stage for his future. Hashtags like #SheerazVsCanelo are already trending, illustrating the anticipation for what’s next in boxing.

Overall, Saturday’s fights delivered drama and showcased emerging talents, setting the stage for what could be an exciting year in boxing.

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Edgar Berlanga, Hamzah Sheeraz, Shakur Stevenson, super middleweight division, David Fields, Sheeraz, David Morrell