Hamzah Sheeraz referred to as out for ‘conflict’ on Anthony Joshua undercard by ‘devastating puncher’ | Boxing Information

Hamzah Sheeraz received the WBO super-middleweight world title final month, and with the unbeaten star keen to have a fast turnaround, a fellow 168lber has declared that he can be prepared for a short-notice alternative to problem the Brit.

Subsequent month, Anthony Joshua will make his return to motion as he takes on Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on July 25, hoping to tee up a long-awaited showdown with perennial rival Tyson Fury.

Earlier this week, BoxingScene reported that two world titles could possibly be up for grabs on the undercard, with each Josh Kelly and Sheeraz set for his or her first defences of super-welterweight and super-middleweight world honours respectively.

Whereas Kelly is reportedly poised to face Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko, Sheeraz’s opponent is unknown, with a high 15 WBO rating being the one stipulation. 

In an interview with Boxing Information, 39-year-old Milorad Zizic, who’s rated because the WBO #9, shared his willingness to problem for Sheeraz’s crown, in a struggle the place he might be a part of Dejan Zlatičanin because the second Montenegrin world champion in boxing historical past.

“It might imply loads to me. I reside for that purpose. It might be an ideal honour for me, my household, Montenegro, and the complete Balkan area. To change into solely the second world champion in Montenegro’s historical past can be one thing really particular.

“It might imply all the things to me. I reside for boxing. I really consider that this struggle might change into the upset of the last decade.”

Zizic, once named as the hardest puncher that Floyd Mayweather Sr. has ever witnessed, then went on to share his confidence in that proposed contest, the place he hopes to proceed a streak of six consecutive bouts that haven’t lasted greater than two rounds.

“Hamzah Sheeraz is a real champion. He’s in his prime, and I’ve plenty of respect for him. However consider me, he has by no means confronted — and can by no means face — a puncher as devastating as I’m. I respect him as a fighter, however to not the purpose the place I feel I can’t beat him. I consider in my talents, and I’m assured I could make my dream a actuality.

“It is going to be a conflict from the primary bell, I understand how it may be. If we struggle and he survives 5 rounds, he would be the winner, however 5 rounds in opposition to me is a very long time.

“If Hamzah and his group need this struggle, I’m prepared. If not, that’s okay too. I’ll hold transferring ahead, hold working, and keep centered on my journey. My time will come.”

While his lead coach is Joco Todorovic, Zizic was beforehand cornered by fan-favourite four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr, who continues to educate him.

Talking with Boxing Information, Jones defined why he believes Zizic can be an attention-grabbing take a look at for Sheeraz, agreeing with Zizic’s plan to pressure a shoot-out.

“Zizic is a really sturdy puncher, identical to Sheeraz is, they’re each very sturdy punchers. Zizic had been off for a minute, however he got here again and bought 4 fast wins, he’s again lively and I feel that may be an ideal struggle for Sheeraz.

“Like I mentioned, they’re each actually good punchers and Sheeraz received’t meet many individuals that may match his punching energy, however Zizic does have punching energy like that.”

“He has bought to go proper to him. He can’t attempt to field him, he’ll go proper to him. That will most likely be the neatest method as a result of in the event you field him, with so long as he [Sheeraz] is, he’s going to beat you. 

“So your greatest likelihood is attempt to and get to him as fast as you may and see if he can take your punches. Should you wait, he’s going to get you out of there.”

Information on Sheeraz’s opponent – ought to he function on the cardboard – is anticipated imminently, with different WBO-rated contenders, Bernardin Jakaj (#12) and Jack Bowen (#14) additionally accessible as potential opponents.