Sheeraz’s first defence expected to be against dangerous contender.
When Hamzah Sheeraz last appeared in the ring, he quite effortlessly dispatched of German challenger Alem Begic to win the WBO super-middleweight title.
It was about as easy as winning a world championship gets. So easy, in fact, that less than a month later, Sheeraz’s next opponent is already being lined up.
Rumours have suggested that the Briton’s first title defence will be taking place on the Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga undercard. If that is the case, it will likely be announced soon, given that that card is just over a month away.
But whether or not that happens, Sheeraz now has a potential opponent for his maiden title defence in the form of his mandatory challenger.
Sheeraz’s mandatory is set to be ordered soon, and it is looking like his opponent will end up being an unbeaten contender from Denmark.
Canelo Álvarez is the #1 contender for the WBO. However, given that the Mexican superstar is facing WBC champion Christian Mbilli in September, it’s likely the #2 contender will be called up instead.
That happens to be Jacob Bank, a 25-year-old Dane who has majorly boosted his profile recently.
A stoppage of Tyron Zeuge put him on the map, but it was his TKO of William Scull (who Canelo Álvarez failed to stop earlier the same year) that really grabbed people’s attention.
Last time out, Bank knocked out Paulinus Ndjolonimu, further enhancing his reputation.
According to BoxingScene, it is expected that Sheeraz will be ordered to face Bank in the next two weeks, opening the door for a dangerous first defence for the lanky, long-levered puncher from Ilford.
But of course, taking on tough challenges is exactly the mark of a champion, which is exactly what Sheeraz now is.
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