Sheeraz Nears 2026 Mega-Fight With Canelo After Knockout Win

British boxer Hamzah Sheeraz has positioned himself for a potential super middleweight title fight against undisputed champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in 2026 following an impressive fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. Sheeraz, who fought at super middleweight for the first time, became the first to knock out Berlanga, a feat even Canelo did not accomplish, and promised to stand and trade with Canelo if given the chance, emphasizing a desire to put on a compelling performance regardless of the outcome. Promoter Frank Warren and Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh highlighted Sheeraz as a top contender, with Alalshikh stating Sheeraz "deserves" a fight against Canelo and positioning him as a better option than other contenders such as David Benavidez. Despite some fans preferring other matchups, Sheeraz’s dominant display of power, accuracy, and pressure has earned him recognition as a rising star and a legitimate threat in the super middleweight division. The proposed fight would likely take place after Canelo’s anticipated September bout with Terence Crawford, marking a major milestone in Sheeraz’s career and a significant event in boxing for 2026. Sheeraz expressed admiration for Canelo, calling him a boxing hero, and vowed to engage in an exciting fight rather than avoid confrontation.