HAMZAH SHEERAZ has vacated his European middleweight title. The 25-year-old won the belt in comprehensive fashion by stopping Tyler Denny at Wembley Stadium in the second round. Winning the EBU strap, however, was a pit stop for Sheeraz who has eyes on bigger prizes.
Promoter Frank Warren told Talksport on Tuesday that the unbeaten contender will fight for a world title on February 22 in Riyadh. The card will be headed by Daniel Dubois and the second defence of his IBF heavyweight title. At middleweight Janibek Alimkhanuly holds the WBO and IBF belts, Carlos Adames is the WBC champion and Erislandy Lara is the WBA titlist.
During his interview with Talksport Warren would not comment on whether his man would face Alimkhanuly or not. Sheeraz is currently the WBO and WBC number one contender. The vacant European belt could next belong to either Brad Pauls or Denzel Bentley.
Pauls will defend his British strap against Bentley on December 7 at Wembley Arena. Correspondence from the EBU said ‘new details will follow on the opponent of Denzel Bentley.’ Boxing News reached out to Warren for comment.
Asked if we’ll see Pauls v Bentley for the vacant European title he replied, “Yes, that’s the plan.”.