How Hamzah Sheeraz's father changed the British boxer's life: Prison sentences, over $1 million debt, and more
Hamzah Sheeraz credits much of his success to his father, and why wouldn’t he? After all, the rising British boxer’s journey has been anything but ordinary. The UK boxer is gearing up to take on Tyler Denny next on Sept. 21 at Wembley Stadium, Wembley, United Kingdom.
His father’s struggles and sacrifices have instilled in him a fierce determination and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Now, as he stands on the cusp of the pivotal encounter against Denny, let's take a look at the boxer's prison sentences, history with massive debts, and more:
How did Hamzah Sheeraz's father change his life?
Hamzah Sheeraz's rise in boxing has come with immense personal and financial stakes, with his family risking everything to fund his journey. His father, Kamran, took on a staggering $1 million debt to fuel his son's dream.
Since then, the 25-year-old has been fighting to drag his family out of financial strain. His upcoming fight against Tyler Denny at Wembley is crucial because it will finally help cover the debt his father took on to see his son succeed. Speaking about his father's time in prison in an interview with Sky Sports News, he said:
"I'm used to having obstacles in my life, like ever since I was young. My father was in and out of prison, and it was always me and mum, just us two and my younger siblings, so the journey has always been hard. It's not like it's been easy. When my father came out after doing his last stretch, ever since that day life has been a blessing and I'm just extremely grateful for that."
He added:
"It's matured me a lot earlier than I probably should have matured. Like at the age of 15, 16, I was doing the sorts of things a 30-year-old man would do. Those experienes have shaped me into the man that I am today, but I wouldn't change it for a thing."
Hamzah Sheeraz claims he was chosen by God to be a boxer
Hamzah Sheeraz’s father was a cricketer who played for Gloucestershire. However, his paternal grandfather and uncle were both boxers. His uncle has won ten national amateur titles for the Slough and Pinewood Star clubs.
Speaking about his early influences, Sheeraz claims that while he could've been a good cricketer, the sport didn't excite him and boxing proved to be his true calling. Speaking in an interview with Daily Mail, he said:
"I’m a top cricketer but I found it boring. I felt like I was chosen by God to be a boxer and I’m dedicating my life to it because others have invested way too much time into it for me to settle with not winning."