Hamzah Sheeraz managed to edge out a narrow points victory, while Josh Kelly battled through a gruesome nose cut to claim a unanimous decision on the Anthony Joshua versus Kristian Prenga undercard in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The London native Sheeraz, who previously captured his first world title with a second‑round stoppage of Alem Begic to claim the vacant WBO super‑middleweight championship in Egypt, faced Germany's Simon Zachenhuber in a 12‑round bout that ended with a mixed reaction from the crowd.
The judges' scorecards read 114‑114, 115‑113 and 116‑112, all in favor of Sheeraz. After the decision, Sheeraz posed with Jacob Bank in the center of the ring, celebrating his hard‑earned win. "I am a champion in this division. I know people are chomping at the bit after my performance," Sheeraz said, expressing confidence in his future prospects.
He added that he will be ringside on October 31 to watch Saul "Canelo" Alvarez challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC belt, a fight he is eager to witness. "I got the win, and that’s all that matters. I could make a million excuses, but I’ll be better in my next fight," Sheeraz continued.
"I need a step‑up now, someone who will present a mental challenge. I found myself switching off at times because I was too comfortable without a real threat in front of me." In the same event, Josh Kelly overcame a frightening gash to his nose to secure a unanimous points victory over Irish contender Caoimhin Agyarko in an IBF Light‑Middleweight title bout.
The fight, which took place under the bright lights of the Saudi arena, saw Kelly endure a head clash in the 11th round that left his face bloodied and his nose split open. Despite the injury, Kelly maintained composure and did enough to win on the judges' cards, which read 115‑112, 115‑112 and 114‑113. Kelly, nicknamed "Pretty Boy," addressed the media after the fight: "I told Caoimhin, don’t take it as a loss, take it as a learning experience. If he wants it badly enough, he will bounce back." Agyarko, visibly disappointed, replied, "I thought I won it, but if the judges didn’t see it that way, I accept that.
I’m heartbroken; I wanted to make history. Josh Kelly is a class act, but I think he underestimated me a bit." Looking ahead, Kelly expressed his desire to challenge unified 154‑pound champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who manages both Kelly and Ennis, indicated that a showdown between the two in the United States is now a realistic possibility.
"He’s had a defence of the title and before that the mandatory comes again. You really want to be looking at those big‑money fights and trying to roll the dice," Hearn said. "I think that comes with 'Boots' Ennis.
If I were Josh Kelly, I’d be eyeing the big payday in America against Ennis. It could be a three‑belt unification fight, maybe even involving WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and others." The night’s card also featured other notable match‑ups.
Fans can tune in to watch Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas in New York, broadcast live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 10 p.m. on Sunday.
For those who prefer streaming, NOW offers contract‑free access to boxing and a range of other sports. Sheeraz’s victory, though narrow, underscores his resilience and determination to climb the rankings.
After securing the WBO super‑middleweight title in Egypt with a decisive second‑round knockout, he has now proven he can handle a full‑distance fight against a technically skilled opponent. His comments about needing a mental challenge suggest he is actively seeking tougher competition, perhaps even a bout against a top‑tier contender in the division before setting his sights on a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Kelly’s ability to fight through adversity—continuing after a severe nose injury—demonstrates his warrior spirit. The bloodied visage he displayed in the 11th round only added to his reputation as a gritty, determined fighter willing to endure pain for victory.
His ambition to face Ennis reflects a strategic move to elevate his profile on the world stage, potentially leading to a lucrative unification bout that could cement his status among the elite in the light‑middleweight class. Both fighters have highlighted the importance of mental fortitude in boxing. Sheeraz admitted that at times he felt he was “switching off” when there was no immediate threat, a self‑awareness that could drive him to seek opponents who push him beyond his comfort zone. Kelly, on the other hand, turned a physical setback into a motivational story, emphasizing learning and growth for both himself and his opponent.
The Saudi Arabian venue continues to attract high‑profile fights, offering a platform for emerging talents like Sheeraz and Kelly to showcase their abilities to an international audience. As the sport evolves, events like these not only provide entertainment but also shape the future trajectories of the athletes involved, setting the stage for potential marquee match‑ups that fans worldwide will eagerly anticipate. In summary, Hamzah Sheeraz’s razor‑thin points win and Josh Kelly’s blood‑soaked triumph illustrate the unpredictable and dramatic nature of boxing.
Both fighters have expressed clear goals: Sheeraz aims to test himself against elite competition and eventually watch Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming fight, while Kelly is targeting a high‑stakes clash with Jaron "Boots" Ennis that could lead to a multi‑belt unification. Their journeys, marked by perseverance, strategic planning, and an unwavering desire to improve, embody the relentless spirit that defines the sport.