Hamzah Sheeraz inks agreement with esteemed trainer Andy Lee as middleweight star eyes world titles in 2025

Queensberry star Hamzah Sheeraz has linked up with esteemed boxing trainer and former middleweight champion of the world Andy Lee after vowing to 'get back to basics' after labouring to controversial draw against Carlos Adames earlier this year.

The 25-year-old was installed as the huge pre-fight odds-on favourite to secure world honours for the first time against the Dominican WBC middleweight title-holder, but was somewhat fortuitous to escape from his biggest professional test to date with a contentious split draw.

Despite being in the infancy of his professional career Sheeraz has established himself as a formiddable contender in the 160lbs division, chalking up demolition victories over the likes of Austin 'Ammo' Williams and Tyler Denny in 2024 to secure a first crack at a world title in February this year.

However, he looked a shadow of the man that saw off Williams and Denny so comprehensively against Adames last time out, and has responded to that by opting to make a significant change behind the scenes - with long-term coach Ricky Funez being relinquished of his role.

Instead, Dublin-based trainer Lee has been tasked with helping Sheeraz fulfill his enormous potential, with the Londoner joining an already stacked stable of fighters in Ireland, one which includes former heavyweight champion of the world Joseph Parker as well as the supremely talented duo of Ben Whittaker and Paddy Donovan.

"I can officially announce that Andy Lee is my new coach, and my next camp will be over in Dublin, Ireland," Sheeraz revealed to Boxing King Media.

"I’ve always been studying him and I used to watch him a lot when he was a fighter, but never did I think I would train with him until I started seeing how he works in the corner, and started seeing him around the Fury team.

"I went to watch a training session with him and Ben Whittaker to see how he was working with Andy and it was great. I was able to see how the two of them worked together and it was really old school training - back to basics!

"For me, it's about learning how to use what you have to the best of your advantage.

"People may use this as an excuse saying he's done it because he didn't win the last fight, but I needed this change, I need a new start now, which Andy will provide me with.

"It's quite a dramatic move to go from Los Angeles to Dublin, but this is perfect for me - it's exactly what I need in my career at this moment in time."

Sheeraz has made no secret of the fact that he struggles to cut weight at middleweight and will be venturing into the 168lbs super-middleweight division in his first assignment with his new trainer.

American world title challenger Edgar Berlanga, who took Canelo Alvarez the full 12 round distance last year, has been mooted as a potential first opponent in the new weight class, with Sheeraz himself saying he would hold no fear in jumping straight in at the deep end to tackle the dangerous American.

"I'll jump straight in there, no doubt about it - I want to go in at 168 and get straight down to it - I'd be more than happy to take that fight, bring it on!"

Remember to set your marketing preferences on the bet365 website to continue receiving marketing from the bet365 team.

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
• • 
  •