Sheeraz saw negative response and walked Begic down for stoppage

Hamzah Sheeraz said his first-round stoppage of Alem Begic came after he spotted his opponent go into his shell. The welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light middleweight marched forward and ended the WBO super-middleweight title fight inside the opening round.

“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 was fighting for the vacant WBO middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super-middleweight title against Begic. The welterweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light middleweight went into the bout looking to make a statement at 168 pounds. The early finish puts him in line for bigger opportunities in a crowded division.

What it moves

Sheeraz now waits to see whether the WBO orders a mandatory or opens the door to voluntary defences. His willingness to press when he sensed hesitation suggests he will push for another aggressive showing. Begic's response to the first punch set the tone for a brief night.

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