Hamzah Sheeraz managed to edge out a narrow points victory, and Josh Kelly battled through a gruesome nose cut to claim a unanimous decision on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua versus Kristian Prenga showdown in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The London-born Sheeraz, who previously captured his inaugural world title by delivering a second‑round stoppage to Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super‑middleweight championship in Egypt, faced Germany's Simon Zachenhuber in a 12‑round contest. The bout concluded amid a chorus of boos from the crowd, and the three judges rendered scores of 114‑114, 115‑113 and 116‑112, all in favor of Sheeraz. After the decision, he posed for photographs with Jacob Bank inside the ring, smiling despite the mixed reaction from the spectators.
"I am a champion in this division. I know people are chomping at the bit after my performance," Sheeraz declared, his confidence evident. He added that he will be sitting ringside on October 31 to watch Saul "Canelo" Alvarez challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC title, a fight he says has sparked his own ambitions.
"I got the win, and that’s what matters. I could make a million excuses, but I’ll be better in my next fight. I need a step‑up now—someone who will test me mentally. I was switching off at times because I was too comfortable without a real threat in front of me," he explained.
In the same event, British boxer Josh Kelly overcame a terrifying gash on his nose to secure a unanimous points win over Irish contender Caoimhin Agyarko in an IBF light‑middleweight title bout. The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Kelly endure a head clash in the 11th round that left his face bloodied and his nose severely cut. Nevertheless, the judges scored the fight 115‑112, 115‑112 and 114‑113 in Kelly’s favor, awarding him the decision. Kelly, nicknamed "Pretty Boy," addressed the crowd after the fight, saying, "I told Caoimhin not to view this as a loss but as a learning experience.
If he wants it badly enough, he’ll bounce back." Agyarko, visibly disappointed, responded, "I thought I won, but if the judges didn’t see it that way, I accept it. I’m heart‑broken; I wanted to make history. Josh Kelly is a class act, but I think he underestimated me a bit.
Listen, it will come. I will be the first Black Irish world champion, there’s no doubt about that." Following his victory, Kelly expressed a desire to challenge unified 154‑pound champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who manages both Kelly and Ennis, confirmed that a showdown between the two in the United States is now a realistic possibility.
"He’s defended his title, and before the next mandatory defense comes around, you start looking at those big‑money fights and rolling the dice," Hearn explained. "I think a fight with 'Boots' Ennis is the logical next step. If I were Josh Kelly, I’d be eyeing a huge payday in America against Ennis.
It could be a three‑belt unification bout, possibly involving WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and other top names." The night also featured other notable moments: a tribute from Joshua to friends lost in a tragic crash, and the ongoing promotion of the Toe2Toe podcast, which delivers weekly boxing analysis. Fans were reminded of the best boxing highlights and videos available online, and were encouraged to tune in to Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event for live coverage of upcoming fights such as Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas, scheduled for 10 p.m.
on Sunday in New York. Looking ahead, Sheeraz’s comments about watching Canelo’s upcoming bout hint at his own strategic planning. By observing the Mexican legend’s performance, Sheeraz hopes to gauge the level of competition required to secure a future showdown with the superstar, a match that would not only elevate his own profile but also bring significant financial reward.
His acknowledgment of needing a "step‑up" reflects a broader trend among rising champions who seek to test themselves against elite opposition rather than remaining content with lower‑risk defenses. Meanwhile, Kelly’s ambition to face Ennis underscores the growing appetite for unification fights in the 154‑pound division. Unification bouts have become a major draw for fans and broadcasters alike, promising clear lineages and high‑stakes drama. If the Kelly‑Ennis clash materializes, it could set the stage for further mega‑fights involving the likes of Fundora, potentially reshaping the landscape of the light‑middleweight and middleweight classes.
Both fighters demonstrated resilience and a willingness to confront adversity—Sheeraz by weathering a hostile crowd and Kelly by fighting through a severe facial injury. Their post‑fight statements reveal a mindset focused on growth, learning, and the pursuit of greater challenges.
As the boxing world continues to evolve, athletes like Sheeraz and Kelly illustrate the blend of skill, determination, and strategic vision required to ascend to the sport’s highest echelons. For viewers eager to stay up‑to‑date, the upcoming broadcast schedule on Sky Sports provides a convenient platform to watch live action, while streaming services like NOW offer contract‑free access to a wide array of boxing events.
Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated follower, the narratives emerging from Saudi Arabia this weekend—Sheeraz’s narrow win, Kelly’s bloodied triumph, and the broader implications for future title fights—promise an exciting chapter in the ever‑dynamic world of professional boxing.