Tony Bellew Analyses the Potential of Dubois-Joshua Undercard Talent

Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) defeated Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) at Wembley Stadium on September 21 with a career-best performance in front of 96,000 fans. It was the main event of a stacked card, with fans able to catch the action on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports PPV, PPV.com and Sky Sports Box Office. On the undercard, Hamzah Sheeraz dazzled in his two-round destruction of Tyler Denny, retaining his Commonwealth and WBC silver middleweight titles, while winning the European middleweight strap. Former WBC Cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has reflected on the impressive performance from Sheeraz, looking at the potential of the Slough-born fighter.

Tony Bellew Shares Insight on Hamzah Sheeraz’s Potential

Tony Bellew’s Thoughts on the Future of Hamzah Sheeraz

Sheeraz asserted his dominance almost immediately, landing a long left hook – knocking Denny down just seconds into the fight. The second round saw Denny begin brighter, but Sheeraz stepped his foot on the gas, landing spiteful-looking combinations, knocking the Rowley Regis fighter down. The referee deemed Denny unable to continue, waving the fight off.

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During a recent interview with Instant Casino, Bellew was asked about the ceiling of Sheeraz: “I think that boy’s the British Tommy Hearns. He’s powerful, he’s long, he’s lean. I doubted him after I watched the Bradley Sheekte fight. I wasn’t sure he was cut out for this. But then when I actually met him in person, because I’d never met him at this stage.”

He continued: “Then when I actually met him in person, I thought, ‘oh my word, you are the biggest 150 pound fighter in history.’ Like the only one who’s close to him was Vernon Forrest many years ago. He’s bigger than Vernon Forrest and I was like, ‘Vernon Forrest used to be huge.’ Rest his soul, he’s not here anymore.” 

Read More: Hamzah Sheeraz Gets Dominant Knockout Win

Reflecting on the attributes of Sheeraz, Bellew said: “I thought he’s (Sheeraz) too big for 160. He just beat a former European Champion in Tyler Denny. He got a harsh lesson. It’s one thing facing a field of cash. It’s another thing gettingin the ring with someone like Hamzah Sheeraz, who is technically very good, believes in himself and can wallop. And when you’ve got such height advantages and reach advantages like that. Like I say, Hamzah Sheeraz I’m really excited about. I think he’s a quality fighter.”

Bright Future

Sheeraz impressed on the Dubois-Joshua undercard, showcasing his dazzling skills and power. It’s difficult not to see a world title shot for the Slough-born fighter in the future. Bellew has compared him to Tommy Hearns, and the middleweight division is on notice because Sheeraz is coming for everyone.