On July 12, 2025, inside New York’s iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, British-Punjabi boxer Hamzah Sheeraz delivered a stunning performance against hometown favourite Edgar Berlanga.
In a historic bout – the first boxing match ever staged at the venue – Sheeraz moved up to super-middleweight and destroyed Berlanga with a decisive fifth-round TKO, marking a defining milestone for both his career and the broader Punjabi community.
Dominant Performance, Punjabi Power
The match was neck-and-neck until round four, when Sheeraz unleashed a series of explosive left hands that knocked Berlanga down twice. In the opening seconds of the fifth round, Sheeraz followed up with a vicious left-hook/right-hand combo, forcing the referee to stop the fight just 17 seconds in. With an impressive record of 22–0–1 (18 KOs), this victory firmly establishes him as a leading contender in the super-middleweight division. Watch the highlights of the fight here:
The event, named “Ring III,” featured a stacked card including Shakur Stevenson versus William Zepeda. Sheeraz’s main event was the evening’s highlight at the stadium with a retractable roof – a first for boxing at this tennis venue.
Born to a British-Pakistani family in Slough, Sheeraz began boxing after encouragement from relatives. His rise – not just in the UK but internationally – resonates deeply with Punjabi communities, shattering outdated stereotypes and offering a new role model for young South Asians, especially girls. His victory underlines not only his physical prowess but also cultural ambition, breaking into mainstream sport and highlighting Punjabi representation on the global stage.
Following his knockout, Sheeraz openly expressed interest in fighting super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez if Alvarez triumphs over Terence Crawford in September. Such ambition showcases Sheeraz’s hunger and his readiness to challenge boxing’s elite.
Punjabi and South Asian fans worldwide erupted in celebration. Social media buzzed with pride, recognizing Sheeraz’s win as a watershed moment – proof that Punjabi excellence belongs in professional boxing’s upper echelons.
What Comes Next
With a flawless record and boosted visibility, Sheeraz is poised for a high-profile bout. As speculation grows around potential matchups with Canelo or David Benavidez, one thing is clear: Punjabi boxing has arrived – powered by Sheeraz’s skill, courage, and unshakable confidence.
