Hamzah Sheeraz vs Simon Zachenhuber

This looks like business rather than a genuine 50–50 world-title fight. Hamzah Sheeraz makes the first defence of his WBO super-middleweight belt against Simon Zachenhuber in Jeddah on 25 July. Sheeraz is unbeaten at 23–0–1 with 19 stoppages; Zachenhuber brings a respectable 29–1 record, but that solitary defeat came over six rounds against Pawel August only three months ago. He has won once since, but jumping straight from that level into a world-title fight is a serious ask.

Sheeraz is a six-foot-three switch-hitter with a long jab, heavy straight hands and proper spite once he has someone pinned down. His amateur career was busy rather than decorated, so much of his education came in the professional gyms and under the lights. Zachenhuber is a six-foot southpaw with decent hands, respectable power and more experience than the average challenger, but his record lacks wins over genuine world-class opposition.

The nuts and bolts are straightforward. Zachenhuber must keep his right foot outside Sheeraz’s lead foot, jab the body and turn him before the champion can plant his feet. He cannot retreat in straight lines because Sheeraz will walk him onto the right hand and left hook. Sheeraz’s advantage is his control of range. He can touch Zachenhuber from outside, force him towards the ropes and then go downstairs, where tall southpaws often leave plenty hanging out.

Zachenhuber may nick an early round while Sheeraz measures him, but once Hamzah starts doubling the jab and bringing the right hand through the middle, the German will be in bother. I expect the fight to be over by the 4th or 5th round.

Queensberry badly needs to get Sheeraz a defence against a name with a legitimate chance; as a world titleholder at 168 lbs, he has yet to fight anyone outside Germany’s best. Let him show that he is the best in the world. I actually believe he probably is.