Sheeraz vs Begic Predictions: Brilliant Brit is on the cusp of world glory

British rising star Hamzah Sheeraz fights for the vacant WBO super middleweight championship this Saturday, May 23 as he takes on unbeaten German Alem Begic. The bout takes place at the Pyramids of Giza on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven. DAZN PPV and Ultimate will broadcast live from Egypt.

Read on for my Sheeraz vs Begic predictions as we gear up for 12 rounds in the 168lb division.

Sheeraz vs Begic Odds

Sheeraz is a gigantic favourite at 1/25 while his veteran foe is marketed at 11/1. The draw is priced at 22/1. Each man has had one previous draw as a professional.

Sheeraz vs Begic Fight Preview

Berkshire-born Sheeraz is preparing for his second world title contest as he faces Begic. The rangy, 6′3 star boxed to a rather fortunate draw against WBC middleweight boss Carlos Adames back in June 2024. The intelligent pressure from the Dominican seemed to upset Sheeraz’s rhythm. Many observers, myself included, thought the champion deserved to retain his belt with a victory rather than the awarded draw.

But Sheeraz has rebuilt up at super middleweight. The 26-year-old logged his career-best result last summer, utterly thrashing former world title contender Edgar Berlanga in five astonishing rounds. The American had only lost once, via unanimous decision to Mexican superstar Saul Canelo Alvarez. While the flame-haired legend out-scored Edgar, Sheeraz sent him to the shadow realm. The scintillating performance went a long way towards erasing his listless display opposite the canny Adames.

It is a real shame Sheeraz has not boxed since. But the fault has not really been his own. The Berlanga beating positioned the Brit as a top contender to the WBC, IBF and WBO super middleweight straps. Sheeraz targeted the man who held both at that stage; undisputed champion Canelo, pending the outcome of Alvarez’s bout with Terence Crawford. 

Of course, ‘Bud’ Crawford shocked the world and left with all four 168lb championships, derailing Canelo vs Sheeraz. Sheeraz had previously pursued a fight with then-European champion Callum Simpson, before pivoting to seeking a fight in the United States. 

Crawford’s vacation of his throne and subsequent retirement saw double-mandatory Sheeraz positioned at the front of the queue. The WBC ordered a fight between Sheeraz and Christian M’billi for their vacant belt. When that fell through, talks took place to make Sheeraz vs Diego Pacheco for the WBO’s unmanned championship and a fight with Osleys Iglesias for the IBF gong.

Sheeraz chose the WBO route and, when Pacheco pulled out of negotiations, up stepped Alem Begic. The 39-year-old German is a curious case. Longtime holder of the WBO’s version of the European title, he is 30-0-1 but largely unknown outside mainland Europe.

Begic is the picture of a modern European fighter. Plodding feet compensated by a potent jab and fair right hand. High guard held with patience, punches only unleashed sparingly and after clear openings are found. The sort of style that can carry you to a fringe WBO belt. But one that can see you drowned in world class waters.

Sheeraz’s biggest battle may be with his own cobwebs here. The towering 26-year-old would have liked to box again long before now. But Begic beware. A frustrated, big-punching co-challenger awaits him in Egypt this Saturday.

Sheeraz vs Begic Full Card

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Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic

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Sheeraz vs Begic Prediction

Sheeraz has filled out nicely at 168, with his rangy frame still packing plenty of power without dulling his speed. The only time we’ve seen Sheeraz unduly troubled was by a compact pressure fighter in Adames. Begic won’t be able to maintain the same pace against a taller man guaranteed to make him work hard throughout each round.

I reckon Sheeraz wears the German down and stops him late. I like the Slough-born boxer to do this somewhere within rounds 7-12 at 10/3.

You can find all our latest boxing betting tips and analysis at our Betfred Insights Boxing page and our latest boxing odds here.