Ahead of Tyson Fury’s world heavyweight title fight against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, the quality of the undercard contests was criticised.

When asked by iFL TV why Hamzah Sheeraz, considered one of the country’s leading prospects at the time - wasn’t making an appearance, the promoter, Frank Warren replied, “his team have told me he doesn’t fight in Ramadan.”

Sheeraz isn’t the first Muslim boxer to have faced the dilemma of fighting or fasting.

The Slough-born fighter had the opportunity to box in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums, increase his profile along with his bank balance.  Speaking to Asian Image at the time his father Kamran Khan said no amount of money would’ve changed their mind.

Fast forward two years and the 25-year-old year did appear at the home of English football.

His clash against Tyler Denny was the chief support to Anthony Joshua’s contest with Daniel Dubois last month, which attracted a record attendance of just over 98,000. 

Sheeraz stopped his opponent in two rounds, winning the European middleweight title.

As he entered the ring it was hard to miss the flag of Pakistan and the Union Jack emblazoned on his shorts, and he departed with Vital Signs ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ playing on the stadium sound system.

Unbeaten in 21 fights, Sheeraz who trains in Los Angeles under the guidance of Ricky Funez, is now on the cusp of a world title opportunity.  

Without having a stellar amateur career, he turned professional with very little fanfare, plying his trade when venue doors had just opened or were about to close, with only family and close friends in attendance.

His uncle was a talented amateur boxer, who encouraged him to enter the paid ranks.

Sheeraz came to the attention of the wider boxing fraternity, due to the publicity he received, when appearing on a show marking the return of boxing in Britain since Covid 19 restrictions were imposed (July 2020).

His support base has steadily increased since then as has his standing in the sport. 

According to Warren his fighter is the country’s answer to Tommy Hearns.  High praise indeed from a man who has worked with some of the biggest names in the sport.

A recent admirer is Turki Alalshikh, who has become arguably the most influential figure in boxing.

As the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, he’s bankrolling mega events not just in his home country but to date America and the UK.  Critics accuse him of sportswashing.

In June, Sheeraz captained Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions in their whitewash over rival Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. 

That evening in the Saudi capital he turned in what many commentators believe was his most impressive performance to date, stopping unbeaten American Austin Williams.   

After his victory he paid a visit to the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh.

So what next for the middleweight boxer? 

He has made no secret of his desire to fight fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jnr. If that fight were to be made then Sheeraz is likely to be asking his promoter to stage it at a stadium - but this time at the home of his beloved Arsenal.