Fighting a lot on PPVs in different countries for the last 3 years wont have helped build a fan base either. Would love to know how many people watched his fight on the Egypt card for example. This is the issue with DAZN, it is so hidden, we wont be able to build a star
It will be interesting what he now expects to be paid without a Belt that inflates value as a World Champion. Now, minus the WBO Belt, he is just another fighter at 168. Doesn't make any financial sense. Own Goal in my opinion. Quackers!
I think the money talk is just an excuse to duck. Sheeraz has a very stationary upper body and his work rate goes way down when the opponent is consistently throwing. Sounds like a good combination to let Janibek's massive left hand come from below and detonate on his chin. If this was another no-hoper he would've taken this bout instantly even for less money.
I like Sheeraz but he's turning his back on Bricktop, the guy who took a punt on him and handled his career perfectly.
He is a KO artist you can't get more fan friendly than that, he lets himself down when matched against technical fighters who can easily evade his attacks and make him look ordinary/boring. He also has an Amir Khan style group of hardcore fans who go to all his fights as well as being a big star in the Islamic community both in the UK and abroad. That makes him indispensable for Turki to justify the huge event spending as featuring Muslim fighters resonates deeply across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where there are massive Pakistani diasporas. In my opinion, the issue comes down to Frank Warren. If Hamzah Sheeraz and Moses Itauma were promoted by Eddie Hearn, he would compensate for their lowkey personalities. Warren has his strengths, but he is miles behind Hearn when it comes to social media engagement and turning talent into crossover stars.
I think Hamzah should sign with Matchroom, Eddie knows Hamzah and thinks highly of him too.. plus Eddie would promote Hamzah much better than Frank.. Look what Eddie done for Coner Ben ..