HAMZAH SHEERAZ HAS marked the week of his Middleweight baptism by signing a new three-year promotional contract with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

The strapping 6ft 4" Sheeraz, still only 22, has reached 14-0 (10 KOs) in the professional ranks since making his debut at the Copper Box Arena in September 2017.

On Saturday he will battle Jez Smith for the WBC International Silver middleweight title at the OVO Arena, Wembley, having departed the Super-Welterweight scene as WBO European champion, a title he defended on four occasions.

"I am very, very grateful," said the Ilford man on signing his new deal. "I am grateful for the opportunity and I will always remember that Frank and my manager Andy Ayling gave me a chance when nobody else did.

"I say it all the time and I won't ever forget that. I wasn't a big, standout amateur but they gave me a chance, so it is only right to renew and carry on until we get to the top and win world titles, God willing.

"Frank has got behind me and I have been proving him right with every fight. I haven't lost yet and I am doing everything that is asked of me and that little bit more, so all I have got to do is keep winning and keep shining.

"My career has been handled perfectly so far and that is down to your promoter, your manager and the matchmaker. Obviously I am now moving up to middleweight and I have to keep winning and keep following what they say.

"Before this contract is up I want to be fighting for world titles. By then my apprenticeship and all the learning will all be done. Hopefully I can win this WBC belt and soon be up there with all the big names."

Frank Warren added: "Hamzah is undoubtedly a future star of the sport and I was quickly able to identify that and his potential very early on in his professional journey. He gives his all to boxing and willingly makes the sacrifice of taking himself over to the States, away from his family, to experience better sparring and world class preparation.

"He couldn't really be more likable and is such a personable young man who has attracted a massive following already and sponsors and his fans cannot get enough of him.

"I am thrilled he has signed a new contract with Queensberry and I am looking forward to seeing him make a big impact in the middleweight division, which I believe he is perfectly suited to and where he can reach the very top."