00:00 – Welcome Hamzah Sheeraz
Darren Barker introduces rising star Hamzah Sheeraz to First Round TV.
00:47 – Golf banter and early chemistry
Darren and Hamzah share some laughs and talk golf.
01:44 – The Sergio Martinez story
Hamzah reacts to Martinez’s quote about missed calls after defeat.
02:30 – Post-fight silence and backlash
Hamzah opens up about the loneliness after the controversial draw.
03:25 – Support from mum and Tony Bellew
Only two people reach out post-fight – Hamzah shares who.
04:20 – Childhood, adversity and maturity
His father’s arrest forced him to grow up fast.
05:30 – Paying bills at 15
Hamzah discusses stepping up to support his family.
06:50 – Balancing work and boxing
He pauses boxing to become an apprentice electrician.
07:35 – Return to boxing and sparring pros
Hamzah recalls the moment his pro career began.
08:25 – Boxing origins in the family
Inspired by his uncle, Hamzah enters the sport.
09:00 – Amateur experience with 100+ fights
A look back at a busy amateur career.
09:45 – Modest goals: just turning pro
He shares his simple original dream: becoming a pro.
10:40 – Debut at Copper Box Arena
Fighting on Billy Joe Saunders’ undercard.
11:30 – Ryan Kelly fight: first step-up
Winning the WBO European title changed everything.
12:35 – Learning lessons in the pros
Reflections on key moments and career pivots.
13:45 – Bradley Skeet fight and criticism
Handling backlash and learning from controversy.
14:55 – Weight issues and adjustments
Realising 154lbs was too much to cut.
15:40 – Building momentum at middleweight
Hamzah’s five straight stoppages and confidence boost.
16:30 – Dominating Liam Williams
A surprising, explosive win over a former champ.
17:25 – Team captain in Saudi’s 5v5
Selected as Frank Warren’s team captain.
18:35 – Captaincy pressure and motivation
Frank Warren delivers unexpected news pre-press conference.
19:25 – Facing Ammo Williams
Discussing the hardest puncher he’s faced.
20:10 – Rebuilding confidence
How a tough fight restored Hamzah’s belief.
20:50 – Relationship with His Excellency
Gratitude for support and boxing’s revival.
21:35 – Tyler Denny and Wembley
Reflecting on the moment and staying focused.
22:20 – Pressure of being the favourite
Fighting smart despite heavy expectations.
23:05 – Value of the European title
Respect for a milestone often overlooked.
24:00 – Complacency and distractions
How success affected mindset and hunger.
24:50 – Influence of the wrong people
Why environment and team dynamics matter.
25:40 – World title shot vs Adames
Mindset shifts and pressure going into the biggest fight.
26:30 – Overthinking and outcome-focused
Letting the stakes disrupt his process.
27:20 – Fighting not to lose
The danger of defensive thinking in big fights.
28:05 – Hand injury during the bout
Fourth-round injury and learning to adapt.
28:50 – The draw that felt like a loss
Mental toll and emotional aftermath.
29:30 – Social media and team disappointment
What hurt most after the fight.
30:10 – Taking accountability
The quote Hamzah lives by: “I opened the window.”
30:50 – Team changes: Enter Andy Lee
Why Andy Lee became the right coach.
31:40 – New weight at 168 pounds
Why the move up suits him.
32:30 – Edgar Berlanga fight preview
Taking risks and jumping back into big fights.
33:15 – Fighting abroad but loyal to UK fans
He still values the British crowd most.
34:00 – Canelo at Wembley?
Hamzah dreams big, but keeps it real.
34:40 – Retiring his mum: the real win
The moment that meant the most.
35:30 – Drill music and ring walk choices
A surprising taste in music and mood-setting.
36:15 – Darren learns Gen Z slang
"No cap," "driller," and other lingo decoded.
37:10 – Usyk vs Dubois: Chess match?
Hamzah breaks down tactics and outcome.
38:00 – Low blow debate
Was Dubois' shot to Usyk legal?
38:40 – Joseph Parker’s deserved shot
Consistency earns the opportunity.
39:20 – Mount Rushmore of Boxing
Hamzah picks his four all-time greats.
40:00 – Sparring stories and punchers
Best fighters and hardest hitters he’s faced.
40:45 – 18-month vision: Canelo Alvarez
The next 18 months are locked in.
41:10 – Change in judging criteria?
Why judges should have combat experience.
41:50 – Legacy vs Money?
Hamzah shares an honest answer.
42:30 – Who’s next in British boxing?
He praises Moses Itauma as the next star.
43:10 – Reflecting on his journey
Pride in how far he’s come.
43:50 – Hamzah’s mission off camera
Helping others is the long-term legacy.
44:30 – Final thoughts and sign-off
Darren wraps up a powerful, honest episode.
