My boxing career feels like a prison sentence even when I...

HAMZAH SHEERAZ is treating his boxing career as a jail sentence — with Anthony Joshua in the cell next door. The Ilford-born middleweight, 25, faces Dominican Carlos Adames in Riyadh on Saturday, with the WBC crown and a step closer to freedom at stake. It has been a rocky road for the Londoner, whose dad was in and out of jail, which meant his mum raised Sheeraz and his two younger siblings almost single-handedly.

Image Credit: The Sun [Portrait of Hamzah Sheeraz.]

When the 21-0 ace was reminded that AJ once compared boxing to a stretch behind bars, Sheeraz laughs that even the good days are like being banged up. He said: “AJ isn’t wrong. Even after you have won a fight, it is only like being in a cat-D prison. “It’s like I am still on tag and have to be at home at certain times. The way AJ put it into perspective is spot-on. “I never really looked at it like that before.”.

Image Credit: The Sun [Hamzah Sheeraz celebrates a boxing victory, holding three championship belts.]

Despite his dedication to his mum — who sold her jewellery at times when former Gloucestershire cricketer Kamran was locked up — Sheeraz has flown the nest to help realise his dream. Training camps are held in California, where he and American coach Ricky Funez have formed a brilliant bond. And his downtime is split between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where he hopes to be crowned this weekend. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS.

With a huge family and a proud British-Pakistani community pulling him in all directions, home visits are becoming shorter and the comforts are being craved. Despite squeezing his 6ft 3in frame into 11st 7lb, Sheeraz said: “I miss fish and chips. “I don’t want to miss Arsenal winning loads of titles and trophies in the next few years. “I thought I had time to catch up with the family after the last fight but it was probably only two days and then I was off again. I don’t mean to sound harsh but that was enough!.

“All my family understand the vision and for the next five to seven years I really need to capitalise on my opportunities and give 100 per cent to my craft.”. Barring a surprise 2023 sparring session with pop star Justin Bieber and a few verbals with Chris Eubank Jr, Sheeraz swerves the limelight. He knows he could command bigger purses and get more attention by playing up for the cameras. But he added: “I know a lot of fighters say ‘I let my fists do the talking’ — but I am the perfect example of doing that.