Hamzah Sheeraz Wins By TKO Vs Edgar Berlanga

The super middleweight showdown between Hamzah Sheeraz and Edgar Berlanga at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York on July 12, 2025, delivered a decisive result and a performance that will be discussed for years by boxing enthusiasts. Sheeraz, the undefeated British contender making his debut at 168 pounds, faced Berlanga, Brooklyn’s own power puncher and former title challenger, in a bout that served as a WBC title eliminator and a litmus test for both men’s world-level ambitions. The event, staged in the heart of Queens, was charged with local pride and international intrigue, drawing a raucous crowd eager to see if Berlanga could reclaim momentum or if Sheeraz would stamp his authority on the division.

From the opening bell, the contest was marked by a clash of styles and intentions. Sheeraz, standing 6’3” with a reach advantage, immediately set about establishing his jab and range, working behind a high guard and mixing in crisp combinations. Berlanga, known for his early knockout streak and explosive power, sought to close the distance and land his signature right hand. The first three rounds were competitive, with Berlanga having moments of success, particularly when he managed to back Sheeraz to the ropes and unleash short flurries. However, Sheeraz’s composure and technical discipline were evident as he slipped punches, countered effectively, and gradually asserted control.

The tactical narrative of the fight shifted dramatically in the fourth round. Berlanga, sensing the need to change the momentum, pressed forward with aggression, but Sheeraz responded with a display of precision and timing that would define the outcome. Late in the round, Sheeraz unleashed a rapid-fire combination—a right hand followed by a left—that sent Berlanga crashing to the canvas. Berlanga, visibly hurt and bleeding from the nose and right eye, beat the count but was immediately met with another left-right salvo that floored him again. The referee allowed the action to continue, but the bell intervened, sparing Berlanga from a likely stoppage as he staggered back to his corner.

The fifth round was brief and emphatic. Sensing his opponent was still compromised, Sheeraz wasted no time in pressing the attack. Mere seconds into the round, he landed a clean combination to Berlanga’s head, sending the Brooklyn native to his knees for a third and final time. The referee waved off the contest at just 17 seconds of the round, awarding Sheeraz a technical knockout victory and making him the first fighter to stop Berlanga in the professional ranks. The official result improved Sheeraz’s record to 22 wins, no losses, and one draw, with 18 victories coming by knockout. Berlanga, who entered the ring with a 23-1 record and 18 knockouts, suffered his second professional defeat, both coming within the last year.

Statistically, the fight underscored the gulf in precision and adaptability. Sheeraz’s jab was a constant factor, disrupting Berlanga’s rhythm and setting up power shots. While Berlanga landed occasional heavy blows, he struggled to sustain offense against Sheeraz’s movement and counterpunching. The British fighter’s accuracy, particularly in the decisive fourth round, contrasted with Berlanga’s increasingly desperate attempts to turn the tide with single shots. Observers noted that Sheeraz’s punch selection and ability to exploit openings as Berlanga tired were crucial, as was his composure under pressure in front of a partisan crowd.

The atmosphere inside Louis Armstrong Stadium was electric, with a strong Puerto Rican contingent backing Berlanga and a vocal British presence supporting Sheeraz. The stakes were clear: the winner would move to the front of the line for a shot at the WBC super middleweight title, potentially setting up a future clash with Canelo Alvarez. The tension between the fighters, stoked by pre-fight exchanges and the high stakes, translated into a contest fought at a brisk pace and with clear intent. As the fight progressed and Sheeraz took control, the mood shifted from anticipation to awe, with the crowd recognizing the magnitude of the British fighter’s achievement.

For Sheeraz, the victory marked a triumphant arrival at super middleweight and a validation of his decision to move up from 160 pounds after a draining split draw with Carlos Adames earlier in the year. Under the guidance of trainer Andy Lee, Sheeraz showcased a blend of technical skill, physical strength, and finishing instinct that has become his trademark. His ability to adjust tactics, maintain distance, and seize opportunities against a dangerous opponent bodes well for his prospects at the elite level. Berlanga, though valiant in defeat, was left to regroup and reassess his path forward after suffering the first stoppage loss of his career.

The aftermath saw Sheeraz positioned as the mandatory challenger for the WBC super middleweight championship, with calls for a showdown against the division’s biggest names. His performance against Berlanga, a fighter once celebrated for his knockout streak, sent a clear message to the rest of the division: Sheeraz is not only a contender but a force to be reckoned with. The technical mastery, composure under fire, and ruthless finishing displayed in New York have elevated his profile and set the stage for even greater challenges ahead.