Rising British boxing star Hamzah Sheeraz doesn’t just train for world titles, he trains with purpose. Discipline, faith, and a relentless drive to grow inside and outside the ring define his approach to life.

Earlier this year, he challenged for the WBC Middleweight title in the Kingdom, but it’s a place that has become much more than just a proving ground. The ambitious, resilient, and undeniably talented Sheeraz now describes Saudi as his second home, and it will undoubtedly continue to play a central role in his story – not just as a venue, but as a source of balance, purpose, and unshakable faith.

The 25-year-old has become a powerful symbol of the country’s growing influence on global sport while embodying the convergence of tradition and ambition. He presents a new generation of athlete, one who travels with intention, finds strength in stillness, and brings his full self into every arena he enters.

Your training camps have taken you around the world. What are your favourite destinations to recharge physically or mentally, and why?

Dubai is great, the training facilities are top-notch, the weather is amazing, and the lifestyle keeps you focused and disciplined. But nothing compares to the feeling of being in Makkah. Being there gives you a different kind of energy – something deeper, more spiritual. It’s a recharge you just can’t get from the gym or anywhere else.

What’s a typical day like in your training camp?

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A hard training day starts early. I’ll wake up around 6.30 or 7, pray Fajr, and then have a light breakfast – something clean like oats, fruits, and eggs.

My first session is usually strength and conditioning or road work. After that, it’s rest, stretching, sometimes a nap, then a good lunch, usually something high in protein and carbs. In the afternoon, we go into boxing training with technical drills, sparring, pad work. Evenings are all about recovery: physio, stretching, sometimes a cold plunge. Nutrition is tight – meals are planned to fuel each session and keep my body sharp.

I end the day with Isha prayer and make sure I’m asleep by 10.30pm or 11pm.

What are your key recovery routines after a gruelling sparring session or fight (sleep schedules, ice baths, massage, etc)?

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Recovery is honestly just as important as the training itself, if not more. After a heavy sparring session or fight, the first thing I focus on is bringing the body back down. I’ll usually jump into an ice bath or do contrast therapy (switching between hot and cold), which really helps reduce inflammation and reset the system.

I make sure I’m getting proper rest because that’s when the real recovery happens – not just physically but mentally as well. Deep tissue massages and regular physio sessions are part of the routine too. They keep me moving well and help prevent any little issues from turning into injuries. I’m also big on active recovery: light walks, stretching, just enough movement to keep the body loose without adding more stress.

Recently, I’ve been doing HBOT sessions at The Brain and Performance Centre Dubai and it's been a gamechanger. It speeds up recovery, boosts circulation, and helps me stay sharp between sessions. It really makes a difference when you're pushing your body to the limit.

At the end of the day, recovery isn’t just a routine. It’s a mindset. If I’m not taking care of my body, I can’t perform at my best.

Do you practice any form of mindfulness or meditation?

Yeah, mindfulness for me comes mostly through prayer (remembrance of God). When I pray, everything else goes quiet. It resets my mind. It gives me clarity when things are hectic – whether it’s fight week or training camp, it keeps me present.

What mental exercises or routines do you practice outside the ring to enhance your focus inside it?

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Prayer is really the foundation for everything – it keeps me grounded, centred, and focused, no matter what’s going on. Outside of that, I lean on visualisation a lot. I’ll take a few quiet moments to picture the ring, the energy of the crowd, my opponent, and how I want things to play out. It’s a powerful tool that helps me lock in. I also make it a point to stay clear of distractions and take time to reflect. That quiet space is important. A lot of my mental strength comes from my faith and just sticking to a disciplined routine that keeps me sharp – both in and out of the ring.

You’ve undertaken pilgrimages such as Umrah in Makkah. How has that shaped your mindset and brought balance to your life?

Umrah really humbles you. It reminds you what truly matters. No matter how many belts you win or how far you’ve come, all of that fades when you’re standing in front of the Kaaba. It gives me a full reset – spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Being in that space brings a kind of peace and clarity I can’t find anywhere else. I always come back feeling lighter, more focused, and with a renewed sense of purpose. 

When you visit places like Saudi, do you get to experience the local culture? Any memorable moments?

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Absolutely, Saudi has really started to feel like a second home.

I’ve had the chance to connect with the locals, try incredible traditional dishes, and experience the kind of hospitality that just makes you feel welcome right away. There’s a real warmth to the culture that I’ve grown to appreciate. But the part that always leaves the biggest impact on me is visiting Makkah or Madinah. No matter how many times I go, it never feels routine – it’s always deeply moving. That’s always the highlight of any trip to Saudi, without a doubt.

What does a day off in a new city look like for you after an intense fight?

I like to keep it simple. It’s usually quality time with the team or my family: sharing a good meal, unwinding, maybe doing a bit of sightseeing if we’re in a new city. I try to enjoy the moment without getting too caught up in the hype. Even in victory, I stay grounded. I’ll reflect on how things went, what I did well, and more importantly, where I can still improve. Every fight teaches you something, and for me, the goal is always to keep growing, stay humble, and come back stronger.

Is there a place you would travel to just for the food?

Dubai – it has all the world’s best food in one place.

You’ve taken on the role of Riyadh Season ambassador during the Kingdom’s push to become a boxing destination. What does this role mean to you and how did it come about?

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It’s a huge honour. Riyadh Season is more than just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of culture, growth, and showing the world a new, dynamic side of Saudi. Being part of that journey feels special. As a British Muslim fighter, it means a lot to represent not just myself, but also a shared identity and heritage. The opportunity came through my team, and I embraced it. It just felt right. It aligns with who I am and the kind of message I want to bring to the sport.

In February, you fought for a world title during a Riyadh Season event. How did it feel to pursue such a career milestone in that setting?

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It was surreal. Fighting for a world title is every boxer’s dream, but to do it in Saudi, during Riyadh Season, with my family, my fans, and my faith all in one place? That was something else.

The atmosphere in Riyadh is electric, but in a different way. You feel the pride and energy of the people – they’re excited to see their country hosting world-class events. The respect and love I’ve received there is unmatched. It’s a special feeling to fight in a place so deeply connected to my faith.

@hamzahsheeraz
@riyadhseason

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