Canelo Next? How Hamzah Sheeraz Knockout Sets Up a Megafight

On July 12, British contender Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) unleashed a statement-making performance by dismantling Edgar Berlanga via a fifth-round knockout at New York City’s Louis Armstrong Stadium. Berlanga, who was dropped twice in round four and put down definitively at the start of round five, entered the ring hoping to bounce back from his loss to Canelo Alvarez last September. Instead, he found himself outclassed by the 26-year-old Brit in what many are calling a coming-of-age moment.

A Mandatory Challenger Emerges

That spectacular stoppage not only cemented Sheeraz’s reputation but also earned him the position of mandatory WBO challenger at super-middleweight, the belt currently held by Alvarez. The World Boxing Council confirmed the winner of Sheeraz-Berlanga would become Alvarez’s mandatory opponent, provided Canelo defeats Terence Crawford, with online betting sites suggesting it will be a close call.

Sheeraz, visibly elated after his victory over Berlanga, openly addressed the idea of facing Canelo, labelling the Mexican as “one of my heroes” and pledging to “stand and trade” with him rather than look to box and secure a points win.

Enter Crawford: The Gatekeeper

Canelo is scheduled to face Terence Crawford on September 13 in Las Vegas, with the winner poised to unify at super-middleweight. Only after that bout concludes will the pathway open for Sheeraz to step in as mandatory, assuming Canelo wins and retains his belts.

That said, Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who also backs Sheeraz, has already floated the idea of staging the Canelo-Sheeraz fight in the UK next year, adding fuel to the speculation.

With Canelo contracted for two more fights with the Saudis following his much-anticipated clash with Crawford, taking on Sheeraz could be an option, with Alalshikh likely to push for it to happen by supplying the funding.

Who Comes Before Canelo?

Before stepping into the ring with Canelo, Sheeraz will be looking to fight again to stay active. He will also be keen to get more experience as a super-middleweight fighter, with the Berlanga bout his first at the weight.

Diego Pacheco, Christian Mbilli, and Bektemir Melikuziev may be options for Sheeraz leading into a fight with Canelo in 2026

Why Sheeraz Stands Out

At 6’3 and with a 75” reach, Sheeraz brings both power and size to the super-middleweight division. Coached by former world champion Andy Lee, he showcased composure and ferocity against Berlanga, traits that resonate well with U.S. audiences.

His willingness to mix it up, in contrast to Canelo’s more methodical style, offers a compelling “fighter vs fighter” clash, a narrative that promoters, broadcasters, and fans crave.

Bottom Line

Hamzah Sheeraz’s explosive performance against Berlanga launched him into the top tier of super-middleweight contenders. It earned him what some would describe as a rightful claim to face Canelo, provided the Mexican superstar gets the job done against Crawford. With Sheeraz, Turki Alalshikh, broadcasters, and fans keen to see the fight happen sometime in 2026, it will be interesting to see if Canelo is as keen or if he’s reluctant to fight the future of the weight class.