Sheeraz Survives Scare on Joshua-Prenga Undercard, Eyes Canelo Clash

Boxing fans in Saudi Arabia got more than they bargained for on Saturday night. On the undercard of Anthony Joshua's clash with Kristian Prenga, middleweight contender Hamzah Sheeraz survived a tougher-than-expected test, eking out a narrow points win that left his team relieved but hungry for bigger things.

The fight

Sheeraz, the towering 6'3" middleweight from Ilford, was expected to roll over his opponent, but instead found himself in a gruelling contest that went the distance. The judges scored it in his favour, but the performance was far from the statement he had hoped for. Still, Sheeraz kept his unbeaten record intact, and immediately trained his sights on the division's biggest prize: Canelo Alvarez.

The nose-gash nightmare for Kelly

Earlier on the card, Josh Kelly faced his own drama. The Sunderland welterweight suffered a horrific gash to his nose during his bout, blood pouring down his face and threatening to stop the fight. Showing true grit, Kelly battled through the injury, throwing caution to the wind and grinding out a win. It was a testament to his heart, but the cut raises questions about whether he can sustain a push towards world title level.

What it means for Sheeraz and the division

Sheeraz has been touted as a future star, but this performance shows there is still work to do. His call-out of Canelo may seem audacious after a shaky showing, but in boxing, risk often equals reward. If he can sharpen up his defence and land a few more clean shots, a fight with Canelo could be a massive stepping stone. For now, Sheeraz escapes with a win and his dream alive, while Kelly's toughness ensures he remains in the conversation. The undercard may have been a footnote to Joshua's return, but it served up drama that fans will remember.