Tyler Denny Aims to Shock Hamzah Sheeraz on Joshua-Dubois Undercard

Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) will take on Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) for the IBF world heavyweight title in the main event of a Riyadh Season card at Wembley Stadium on September 21. As part of an impressive undercard, European middleweight champion Tyler Denny (19-2-3, 1 KO) will defend his title against the dangerous unbeaten Hamzah Sheeraz (20-0, 16 KOs). Ahead of this impressive card in London, Denny has spoken to Sky Sports about his determination to seize this opportunity.

Tyler Denny Determined to Upset Hamzah Sheeraz on September 21

Denny Moving Onto World Level

Denny will enter the ring as the European champion but will be the underdog in many eyes against the heavy-handed Sheeraz. The fighter from Rowley Regis has gone through plenty of difficult moments in his career, including a controversial technical draw with River Wilson Bent.

Since the draw with Bent, Denny has defeated that same fighter and won all five fights since that rematch including dominating victories over Matteo Signani and Felix Cash.

When speaking to Sky Sports Denny revealed it took him no time to accept the offer to fight at Wembley: “When I got the opportunity to fight him I couldn’t say yes quick enough. I was buzzing, this is my time now and I’m going to show everyone what I’m about.”

He continued: “I want to show people why I’m the champion and to show why I want to move on to world level.”

Full of confidence, the West Midlands native said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity but I got it on merit, for beating the people that I’ve beat and I know that and that’s what gives me my confidence.”

Hamzah Sheeraz

“I don’t think Hamzah planned to fight me,” Denny said. “He knows he’s going to be in for a hard fight.”

He continued: “We both know what we’re going to be in for.”

When talking about Sheeraz, Denny referred to his fight with Austin “Ammo” Williams: “If I wanted to watch a video on how not to fight Hamzah, I’d watch Ammo after four rounds onwards. Because he just sat at the end of his long reach, never moved his head, never stepped to the side or anything. [That’s] what not to do.”

Fighting at Wembley

Talking about fighting at Wembley, the 33-year-old said: “It was that unrealistic [fighting at Wembley] that I never even thought it could happen. So even better and that’s why it’s going to be even better when I win.”

Denny continued: “I put that much pressure on myself to win because I hate losing. It’s not so much about the occasion,” he said. “I hate losing, I’m the one who has to deal with that afterwards.” He added: “I’m refusing to let that happen again.”

He also spoke about seizing chances: “I know where I stand. I know I wasn’t first pick for this fight. But I don’t care either, Denny said.

The European champion added: “Life, and especially in boxing, sometimes you don’t get a second chance. This is my chance now for the big time. And I’m ready.”