Sheeraz explains how he broke Begic to claim WBO title

Hamzah Sheeraz said his WBO middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super-middleweight title win over Alem Begic came down to reading his opponent's reaction after landing early. The Briton stopped Begic to claim his first world title.

“It was simple - I saw he was very negative from when I landed the first punch. After that it was about walking him down and getting out of there. That is what we've done.”

— Hamzah Sheeraz, via BBC Sport

What Hamzah Sheeraz said

Sheeraz won the WBO belt in the middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super-middleweight division, stopping Begic after identifying weakness from the opening exchanges. The victory gives the welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light middleweight his first world championship. Begic had been negative throughout, according to Sheeraz, who adjusted his approach accordingly.

What it moves

Sheeraz will now face pressure to defend the WBO strap or move towards unification. His reading of Begic's body language shaped the finish. Speaking to BBC Sport, Sheeraz said: "It was simple - I saw he was very negative from when I landed the first punch. After that it was about walking him down and getting out of there. That is what we've done."

Source: bbc.com. Full Hamzah Sheeraz fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.