Hamzah Sheeraz’s Global Ambitions: Riyadh Season, London Stadiums and Dubai Days

By Cormac O Donell

WBC Silver World Champion Hamzah Sheeraz recently took some well-deserved downtime in Dubai. After delivering a 2nd-round knockout on the Riyadh Season Wembley Edition card—as the Riyadh Ambassador, no less—and doing it in his hometown of London, he certainly had reason to celebrate.

Most people would be jumping out of their skin with excitement; but then again – most people are not Hamzah Sheeraz. In what is becoming a tradition by now, he’s quite content just to get some good coffee and Vitamin D on a Dubai beach after a fight.

Sheeraz isn’t in a reflective mood after these huge events. In his mind, he’s already moved on to the next goal. He will recall these life-changing events; albeit matter-of-factly. It may be hot in Dubai – but Hamzah is chilling.

“I knew I’d get it done. To be fair, I knew I’d get it done in that fashion as well,” he explained. “That’s why if you watch it, I wasn’t too ecstatic after the victory. I was like, alright, I’ve done what I knew I was going to do anyway.”

Describing such a dominant win as merely “alright” speaks volumes about Hamzah’s ice-cold mindset. But don’t get it twisted; outside of the ring, he’s very warm and approachable.

Walking out to fight in front of 96,000 people at one of the world’s most prestigious stadiums is a unique experience, but for Hamzah Sheeraz, it’s just another day at the office.

“I’m on the cusp of fighting for a world title – So the vision is just to capture the first one.”

“When it comes to fight night, You go in there and you see the meal. To me, it’s just work. It’s just business. We go in there, do our thing, and leave. Ultimately, if you strip everything away from everyone, all we’re trying to do is put food on the plate for our families. That’s what it’s all about.”

As an international ambassador for Riyadh Season, Sheeraz is well aware of the added responsibilities. However, he views the role as a privilege rather than pressure.

“It’s an honor, to say the least.”

He speaks highly of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his vision for boxing.

“Listen, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is bringing boxing how it is now – from how it used to be back in the eighties, when the best used to fight the best. The best used to fight three times a year, four times a year; they used to sell out stadiums.”

“To be an ambassador for all of that; words can’t really describe to fly the flag for it, to be a bearer.”

“I suppose another reason why I am ice cold when I get in the ring is because I know what comes in there with me; you’ve got the Riyadh Season ambassador, you’ve got all the people who bought tickets. You’ve got all the people supporting you. You got all the people wanting to see you get knocked out also, still watching. So there’s a lot at stake, really.”

In many ways, Riyadh Season is the perfect partner for Hamzah Sheeraz. With Saudi Arabia emerging as the global leader in staging world class events, Hamzah similarly wishes to become the new international face of boxing.

The recognition that Sheeraz has received from this ambassador role has helped propel his career forward. “The following I’ve gained, the recognition—it’s all heading in the right direction. It’s only onwards and upwards from here.”

Helping him navigate this upward trajectory are his dream team members: Coach Ricky Funez of Ten Goose Boxing Gym, nutritionist Paul O’ Neill, advisor Adil Ditta, Camp Manager Taz Khan and father Kamran Sheeraz.

They say it takes a village – and many ways, Team Sheeraz are the secret ingredients to his success. In taking such good care of their respective roles, they relieve Hamzah of external responsibilities and allow him to focus solely on his opponent across from him.

The latest addition to the team, advisor Spencer Brown, is bringing further support to the team.

“He’s done everything and more for me.”

“Like the work that’s been put in behind the scenes and the work that’s being put in now as we currently speak is just crazy. He’s moved mountains. Which makes it a lot easier for me to just concentrate on my boxing, and that’s it.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Hamzah’s ambitions are clear. He aims to solidify his status as one of boxing’s biggest stars.

“Hopefully, the next fight will be for a world title. That will be part one of the Hamzah Sheeraz story wrapped up. Then, when you win a world title, it’s part two because you’re in the big leagues. You can really capitalize —exposure-wise, financially, and as a person.”

For Hamzah, winning the coveted full WBC World Championship title is a lifelong dream. “I remember watching champions fight for European titles and other belts when I was a kid. Now, ten years later, I’m collecting titles of my own.”

Make no mistake, in 2025 Hamzah Sheeraz wants nothing less than to take over the boxing world.
His focus is clear: “I’ll turn up, show up 100%, and grab that victory.”