Date: Saturday, 12th July 2025
Venue: Louis Armstrong Stadium, New York
Class: Super Middle Weight
Tale of the Tape
|
Fighter |
Hamzah Sheeraz |
Edgar Berlanga |
|
Record |
21-0-1 (17 KOs) |
23-1 (18 KOs) |
|
Age |
26 |
28 |
|
Height |
6’3” (191 cm) |
6’1” (185 cm) |
|
Reach |
75” (191 cm) |
73” (185 cm) |
|
Stance |
Orthodox |
Orthodox |
|
Nationality |
British (Pakistani heritage) |
American (Puerto Rican heritage) |
|
Last Fight |
Draw vs. Carlos Adames |
KO win vs. Jonathan González Ortiz |
|
KO Percentage |
81% |
78.3% |
Fighter Profiles
Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga
Berlanga, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, is renowned for his explosive power, having started his career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts. After a unanimous decision loss to Canelo Álvarez in September 2024, Berlanga rebounded with a first-round KO victory over Jonathan González Ortiz in March 2025. This fight is pivotal for Berlanga to reassert himself as a top contender in the super middleweight division. 
Strengths:
- Devastating punching power
- Aggressive fighting style
- Strong fan base, especially in New York
Challenges:
- Questions about stamina in later rounds
- Needs to demonstrate adaptability against versatile opponents 
Hamzah Sheeraz
Sheeraz, from Slough, England, is making his super middleweight debut after a controversial draw against Carlos Adames in a WBC middleweight title bout. Standing at 6’3”, Sheeraz possesses a significant height and reach advantage. He has recently changed his training base to Ireland, working under former world champion Andy Lee.
Strengths:
- Technical proficiency with a strong jab
- Effective use of reach and height
- Undefeated record with a high knockout ratio
Challenges:
- First fight at super middleweight
- Facing a power puncher in Berlanga 
Pre-Fight Narrative
The build-up to this fight has been intense, with both fighters exchanging verbal jabs. Berlanga has dismissed Sheeraz’s previous performances, while Sheeraz has questioned Berlanga’s resilience and response to adversity. The winner of this bout is expected to be in line for a title shot against Canelo Álvarez in early 2026.  
What’s at Stake
- Title Contention: Victory positions the winner for a potential world title shot.
- Career Trajectory: A win for Berlanga re-establishes his status post-Canelo loss; for Sheeraz, it validates his move up in weight.
- Marketability: Both fighters aim to enhance their profiles on the international stage. 
How to Watch
- Broadcast: DAZN Pay-Per-View
- Start Time: Main card begins at 8:00 PM ET (1:00 AM BST on July 13)
- Venue: Louis Armstrong Stadium, Queens, New York   
The Phenom Prediction
As ever, we don’t take sides. But this clash between Berlanga and Sheeraz is more than just a fight; it’s a battle for supremacy in the super middleweight division and a stepping stone toward a world title opportunity. Both fighters have much to prove, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter.
