Sheeraz explains how he broke Begic's resistance in first round

Hamzah Sheeraz says he spotted Alem Begic's negative response after landing his opening punch and knew the fight was there for the taking. The welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light middleweight stopped Begic inside the distance.

“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 faced Begic in a welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light middleweight contest that tested his ability to close out an opponent once he sensed vulnerability. The stoppage extends Sheeraz's run of finishes and keeps him in the conversation for bigger assignments at 154 pounds.

What it moves

Sheeraz told BBC Sport his corner instructions were to walk Begic down once the defensive shell appeared. The performance suggests Sheeraz can adapt his approach mid-fight, a skill that will matter when he steps up to face ranked contenders looking to survive rather than trade.

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