Hamzah Sheeraz vs Tyler Denny Predictions: World-level fight for European honours

Fast-rising Hamzah Sheeraz gets a crack at European middleweight champion Tyler Denny this Saturday, September 21. The 12-rounder forms part of the undercard for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title defence against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office will screen the show live.

Here are my Denny vs Sheeraz predictions ahead of this continental classic.

With all due respect to Denny, in many ways this fight feels like something of a step back for Sheeraz. The European title is prestigious and Denny is a worthy holder. But Sheeraz knocked out world-ranked prospect Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams in his last bout, inflicting the American’s first pro defeat. 

In Sheeraz’s fight before that, he knocked out former world title challenger Liam Williams in one round. ‘The Machine’ had been the distance with Chris Eubank and then-WBO middleweight boss Demetrius Andrade, but Sheeraz made short work of him.

So in the context of two breakout victories, a date for the venerable EBU strap feels like a sideways move at best. But aside from the Commonwealth title, Sheeraz’s career has been punctuated by minor belts like the WBO European and WBC silver straps. Signing off with the genuine European article before moving onto world titles is a nice boon for Sheeraz’s career. 

As long as Sheeraz wins here, a world title fight should not be hard to come by. The 25-year-old is ranked as the top contender by the WBC and the WBO. That means champions Carlos Adames or Janibek Alimkhanuly respectively could be up next.

But for now, Sheeraz faces Denny. As the glowing career summary of the challenger attests, the champion is a clear underdog. But he is a fine fighter in his own right. Denny is on a career-run of big wins, going unbeaten since 2019.

That hot streak has seen Denny end a succession of unbeaten records. River Wilson-Bent, Bradley Rea, Brad Pauls and Felix Cash all lost their ‘0’ to Tyler during a run that has seen him lift the English and European straps. Sheeraz might be short-priced, but Denny has more than earned an opportunity to strut his stuff on the big stage.

Denny might not be on the cusp of a title shot in the same way Sheeraz can boast. But his impressive exertions have netted him a world ranking. His 13th place with the IBF will improve immeasurably with a win here. Denny will also likely find himself ranked highly with the other bodies should he prevail.

Denny is a slick southpaw, though he is not opposed to a war. The Rea fight in particular was a visceral display of violence. The ninth round displayed savagery, resolve and skill in equal measure.

Sheeraz knows how to deal with southpaws, having come through unscathed against ‘Ammo’. His rangy style and check hooks allow him to deal with punches from unconventional angles. Sheeraz stops his opponents setting themselves, with the first knockdown against Williams being a masterclass in how to get a shot off first. The off-balance American crumpled to the canvas, his own riposte hanging in the air like potential unrealised.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Tyler Denny Fight Odds

Denny is 6/1 to get the biggest win of his career here. Sheeraz is priced at a wide 1/10, reflective of his world class credentials. These two men playing out a draw under the Wembley lights is 20/1.

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Tyler Denny Fight Card

Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois (c); IBF heavyweight title 

Tyler Denny (c) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz; European middleweight title 

Anthony Cacace (c) vs. Josh Warrington; IBO super featherweight title 

Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson; Light heavyweight 

Mark Chamberlain vs. Josh Padely; Lightweight

Josh Kelly vs Ishmael Davis; Middleweight

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Tyler Denny Prediction

Sheeraz is special. This is the sort of fighter you only get a handful of times in a generation, someone who looks to have everything in their skillset. The sky really is the limit for the 25-year-old.

To that end, I fancy him to have a rather short night with Denny. The champion is tough and seasoned but he is slower and less powerful than his challenger. I like Sheeraz between rounds four and six. He hits hard, he hits fast and he can find a southpaw with laser-focus. He’ll do so here. My tip is available at 13/5.

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