LONDON: Hamza Sheeraz, a young British Pakistani began his career as an amateur boxer at the age of seven — 11 years later, on his 18th birthday, he had fought almost 80 matches, having won 70 of them.
Sheeraz signed his first contract as a professional boxer with Frank Warren Promotions on the day he turned 18.
Since renowned British boxer of Pakistani origin Amir Khan became the world champion, young British Pakistanis admire and idealise him. Same is the case with the young aspiring boxer set for a big future.
“I have always been watching Amir Khan since I was younger, he is a world champion and he was also an amateur champion, looking at the people like Amir Khan you can’t go wrong in sports” Hamza told Geo News.
“My future plan is to become a world champion, we have got younger generation on the streets, going into drugs and extremism, I diverted my attention to the other side, by following people such as Amir Khan and Muhammad Ali. I will also give my message to fellow youngsters to divert their attention to sports and education,” said the young boxer.
At the time of signing the contract, Hamza Sheeraz’s family and friends gathered to celebrate the start of his professional career. The young boxer’s family members are very hopeful about his future.
The young boxer was of the opinion that boxing teaches self-discipline and it harnesses the natural fighting instinct.
“One needs strong family support to join this sport, “the young boxer said.
“My family is very supportive, one of my uncles used to be a boxer and boxing has been in the family throughout generations,” said Hamza Sheeraz.
Heavyweight boxer Big Joe Egan was also present when Hamza signed the contract. The boxer, who was once called by Mike Tyson “the toughest white man on the planet”, seemed very excited at the event.
Big Joe spoke to Geo News saying “I’m good friends with Hamza’s trainer and the trainer is raving about the young man. Hamza has chosen the best sport in the world, he has chosen to go professional young, he’s got a fantastic future and I’ve been a fan of him as an amateur boxer” he added.
“Walk to the boxing ring is the hardest walk that anybody would have to do, he’s walked there many times as an amateur and he is going to enjoy walking as a professional. He is going to be a great ambassador for boxing and his country,” said the heavyweight boxer.
