The fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Edgar Berlanga not only resulted in a fifth-round TKO, but also a wave of controversy surrounding the Briton’s hand wraps.
However, promoter Eddie Hearn has stepped in to clarify the rumours and dispel any suspicion of possible irregularity in Sheeraz’s bandaging.
What sparked the controversy in Berlanga vs. Sheeraz?
After Berlanga’s defeat, his team expressed concerns about the way Hamzah Sheeraz had been bandaged before the fight. The doubts arose because of the forcefulness of the Briton’s punches, which knocked Berlanga down on multiple occasions before ending the fight in the fifth round.
The controversy grew on social media, where some fans and commentators hinted that Sheeraz’s bandaging may have given him an unfair advantage. In a sport where safety is paramount, any suspicion about protective equipment raises immediate alarm.
Eddie Hearn clarifies Sheeraz’s hand wrapping situation
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, a key figure in the organisation of the event, addressed the accusations directly. Speaking to EssentiallySports, Hearn explained that Sheeraz’s bandaging was completely legal and approved by the commissioners present at the event.
The whole process was supervised by the commission officials. There was nothing out of the ordinary. Berlanga’s team was present during the bandaging, as is customary in this type of fight.
In addition, Hearn stressed that such accusations tend to arise when a boxer suffers an unexpected or heavy defeat
It is natural that, after such a tough fight, the losing team would look for answers. But in this case, there is no basis to question the legality of Sheeraz’s bandaging
An unquestionable victory for Hamzah Sheeraz
Beyond the controversy, Hamzah Sheeraz’s performance was dominant. The Briton not only controlled the pace of the fight from the first round, but also managed to knock Berlanga down twice in the fourth round, before sealing victory with a fifth-round TKO.
This victory positions Sheeraz as a serious contender in the super middleweight division, bringing him closer to a possible fight with Canelo Alvarez. For Berlanga, however, the defeat represents a blow to his aspirations, although he has promised to come back stronger.
What’s next for Edgar Berlanga?
After the fight, Berlanga was taken to hospital as a precaution, but was reported to be in good physical condition. On social media, the Puerto Rican boxer acknowledged the defeat and took responsibility along with his team, without offering excuses.
It was a tough night, but it’s not the end. We will reflect, learn and come back stronger
The controversy over Hamzah Sheeraz’s bandaging seems to have been more of an emotional reaction than an accusation with any real substance. With Eddie Hearn’s intervention and confirmation that everything was done under official supervision, the matter is settled. What is indisputable is that Sheeraz proved to be an elite boxer, while Berlanga will have to rethink his path in the competitive world of professional boxing.
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