Middleweight contender Hamza Shirez (19-0, 15 KOs) is being compared to boxing great Thomas Hearns following his quick first-round knockout win over Liam Williams (25-5-1, 20 KOs) last Saturday night at the Copper Box. The square in London.
Williams has only been knocked out once in his career, but nothing like this. Williams, 13, said he had one of his best training camps to prepare for the 24-year-old Shears, but that didn't help.
Sherise dropped Williams twice in the first round before his corner pulled him out by throwing in the towel at 2:36 of the round.
The Shiraz shines, and the Thomas Hearns comparisons are evident
“A star was born tonight. He's got a big jab with a lot of power. He's a great boxer, and he reminds me of Tommy Hearns. He's Britain's Tommy Hearns,” promoter Frank Warren told Queensberry Promotions, paying tribute to the unbeaten Hamza Sheares.
Thomas Hearns was well advanced in his career when he was 24 years old. Hearns held a world title at the age of 21 and fought Sugar Ray Leonard at the age of 22 in 1981 in their huge fight. He has already knocked out former champion Pepino Cuevas.
If Cherryz can live up to “The Hitman” Tommy Hearns, Warren will need to match him against better competition. Hearns' career was not hampered by a promoter and he was already facing heavy-caliber opposition before he reached the Sherriz age.
“If he can emulate what Tommy Hearns did, what a fighter he'll be. I'll tell you what. He will be because he's an all-around professional. Hamza, that was amazing. Nobody does that to Liam Williams. Nobody in this sport thought it would happen in the first round.
Shiraz is ready to shoot for the world title
“If they like it, they can have it; It isn't a problem. “I would love to have those fights, any of those fights,” Warren said when asked if he would be interested in matching Sherise against Liam Smith or Chris Eubank Jr next.
The most realistic option mentioned for Sherise's next fight is Austin “Amo” Williams, the undefeated middleweight contender promoted by Eddie Hearn. Ammo is ranked No. 3 in the WBA and the perfect opponent for Chérez to face to move up the rankings to challenge for the world title against champion Erislandy Lara.
