Unbeaten British contender Hamzah Sheeraz will fight undefeated German challenger Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The title bout is part of a high-profile card under Turki Alalshikh, featuring a main event between heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
Sheeraz, 25, expressed immense confidence during the final pre-fight press conference ahead of his first career world-title opportunity.
“This is what dreams are made of, with the help of [trainer] Andy Lee, my team, let’s make history.
I feel like the stars are aligned and it’s a meant-to-be moment,” said Sheeraz.
The British fighter noted that the sport has entered a new phase of major opportunities in historic venues due to recent promotional backings, allowing him to target future unification matches against other division champions like Christian Mbilli or Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“Ever since his excellency got involved in the sport of boxing, there’s nothing that’s been unimaginable to do.
There’s no dream big enough,” said Sheeraz.
Sheeraz acknowledged he lacked deep familiarity with his opponent before the sanctioning body ordered the match, viewing the bout as a necessary progression toward expanding his career options at 168 pounds.
“God willing, I’ll get over Saturday, I’ll get the belt, and the options are endless to be fair.
The 168 division is a massive division. Great fighters,” said Sheeraz.
Begic enters the ring under trainers Björn Schulz and Rocco Berardinelli, boasting a 29-0-1 professional record with 23 knockouts, alongside career earnings exceeding $2 million.
The German boxer praised his opponent’s long-term potential but claimed the upcoming weekend belonged to him.
“Hamzah is a world class talent, a world class boxer and the future of boxing,” said Begic.
Despite praising Sheeraz’s credentials, Begic remained firm about his own intentions to claim the vacant crown on Saturday night.
“And believe it or not, love him or hate him, he will definitely be world champion one day – but from my side Saturday will be my moment to shine,” said Begic.
Undercard Highlights
The undercard includes an IBF heavyweight eliminator between Richard Torrez Jnr and Frank Sanchez to determine the next challenger for Usyk.
Torrez Jnr highlighted his extended five-month training camp preparation following an earlier postponement in March.
“The hard work’s been done,” said Torrez Jnr.
He acknowledged the skill level of his opponent, stating that facing a top-tier fighter is essential to proving his status in the division.
“I’ve been in camp since January, for five months, and I can’t wait to be in the ring.
I couldn’t wait in March [when the fight was first scheduled for] and it got postponed but now I can show what I’ve been working on,” said Torrez Jnr.
The American heavyweight expects a competitive bout, citing Sanchez’s experience against high-level opponents.
“In order to show your skill, you have to show that against someone skilful.
I think Frank Sanchez is a formidable opponent who has been in with incredible competition and I want to show that I’m right there with them,” said Torrez Jnr.
Sanchez seeks redemption after losing a prior bout to Agit Kabayel, aiming to secure his position as a technical fighter and become Cuba’s first-ever world heavyweight champion.
“I just want to get back to where I belong,” said Sanchez.
He credited Torrez Jnr as a strong boxer but emphasized that his own superior ring technique would decide the outcome.
“Get back to my spot and be the first Cuban heavyweight champion… He’s a great boxer but I’m a more technical boxer and I’ll show that on Saturday,” said Sanchez.
In the welterweight division, Jack Catterall meets Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA title, with the winner earning a mandatory shot at newly-crowned Super Champion Rolly Romero.
Catterall voiced complete assurance in his preparation and general skill set over Giyasov.
“It’s a great opponent in Shakhram but I’ve worked too hard to be denied on Saturday,” said Catterall.
He asserted that his comprehensive training camps would ensure he leaves the ring with the championship belt.
“I’ve prepared hard and trained well and no matter what he brings, I’m taking that belt… When it comes down to it, I’m better in all departments,” said Catterall.
Giyasov countered by noting his eight years of dedication leading to this championship opportunity, claiming he possesses superior motivation for the matchup.
“I have more motivation,” said Giyasov.
He concluded his media remarks by mocking Romero’s avoidance of a direct challenge in the division.
“I’ve been working eight years for this fight and I will do it. I’m ready.
He’s a good fighter, he’s a good boxer, but I’m 100 per cent ready,” said Giyasov.
The Uzbek fighter questioned Romero’s willingness to fight him during the lead-up events.
“I think he’s scared of me. He’s run, run, run,” said Giyasov.
