Boxing
Hamzah Sheeraz's trainer reveals what has 'shocked' him since their link-up for Edgar Berlanga fight
Berlanga vs Sheeraz - July 12 DAZN PPV - Buy now
Hamzah Sheeraz’s new trainer Andy Lee shared how he had been 'shocked' by the super middleweight’s punching power since linking up with the Londoner for his debut at 168lbs.
Sheeraz’s bout with Edgar Berlanga at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York City will headline The Ring’s third promotion, with all the action shown live on DAZN PPV.
Last time out, Sheeraz struggled against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, the bout in February controversially ending in a split decision draw. The 26-year-old was unable to properly hurt his opponent, with Sheeraz hampered by a broken hand.
Ilford-born but now based in Dubai, Sheeraz had been on a seven-fight knockout streak whilst working with Ricky Funez, a partnership that lasted the best part of five years.
Lee certainly knows his boxing, having won the WBO middleweight title in 2014 and closely worked with legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward throughout his career.
Former Olympian Lee admitted that he had been taken aback by his new charge’s power, stating that he had previously been unaware of Sheeraz’s punching ability. Discussing the work he had done with Sheeraz, Lee told Boxing News: “What I’ve been working on with him is his balance, being ready and present. I was shocked by how hard he hits – really."
He added: “He’s a massive puncher, Hamzah. I wasn’t aware of that before I trained him. But now he is a real (puncher). I anticipate him doing well in the fight. I think he’ll earn [Edgar] Berlanga’s respect. Once he does that, once he’s settled into the fight, it will be anyone’s fight.”
Since retiring from his own career inside the ring, the Irishman has built a reputation for himself as a trainer, working in the corner of second cousin Tyson Fury before coaching heavyweight contender Joseph Parker.
In recent months, Lee has started working with two of Britain’s most touted prospects, Sheeraz and Ben Whittaker. Lee helped Whittaker to victory at the second attempt over Liam Cameron in April, and hopes to have a similar impact on Sheeraz.
Aside from being surprised by Sheeraz’s power on the pads, Lee was also impressed with the former European and Commonwealth champion’s attitude in training.
“What’s pleased me the most has been seeing his progression,” Lee said.
He added: “From day one, to where he is now, it’s quite impressive really. He’s very focused, he’s serious about his work, thinks about everything we’ve been working on. I can see he has been picking it up. So it has been a natural thing. I haven’t overloaded him with stuff, just developing as we go. I think it’s engrained now – hopefully it is – all the sparring sessions, the training we’re doing is reflected, and now it’s time to do it in the fight, which is the hardest part.”
Watch the Ring 3 live from New York exclusively on DAZN PPV, Saturday, July 12 Buy the PPV now here
