Accepted wisdom has it that you should never meet your heroes. The risk being that the real-life image might not match the idealised version.
Or, alternatively, they might be trying to smash your face in, which is potentially the conundrum facing Hamzah Sheeraz.
The 26-year-old British boxer has positioned himself for a shot at Saul “Canelo” Alvarez after beating the former world-title challenger Edgar Berlanga in New York last month.
The bout was a WBC eliminator against a fighter who had taken Alvarez the distance, before losing via a unanimous decision, last September.
That had been the only previous loss of Berlanga’s career, but the American was knocked down twice in the fourth round by Sheeraz, then summarily knocked out in the fifth.
Sheeraz is now in line for a shot at the undisputed super middleweight title. That is held by Alvarez, who must first fight Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on September 13.
The 35-year-old Mexican is the biggest draw in boxing outside of the heavyweight division, and Sheeraz is thrilled by the idea of facing him.
“[The Berlanga win] has definitely put me as the front runner for the Canelo fight and I think it’s a very realistic and possible fight that could be next for me in my career. It’s what dreams are made of,” Sheeraz told The National.
“You always hear the term ‘idols become rivals', and this is exactly that. I’ve always watched him since being young and growing up and, now I have the opportunity, or will have the opportunity to actually fight him.”
While the sentiments about fighting his hero might seem starry-eyed, Sheeraz knows he will need steely resolve if he is to make a success of the prospective bout. He has already been counselled as such by someone who knows a thing or two about it.
“Now my mentality has to change,” Sheeraz said. “I met Prince Naseem Hamed, and he told me, ‘Now you have to look at him as an opponent, someone who is trying to take food off your table'.
“So now the whole ideology changes. It’s about becoming that unified champion at 168lbs [76.2 kgs, the upper limit for super middleweight]. It means the world, it means everything to me and I’m looking forward to it.
“I wouldn’t say its daunting in any way. I think I’m experienced enough, I’ve been in professional boxing for seven-eight years now and I’ve been in boxing since I was eight – so coming up to 20-odd years.
“Now it’s just about relishing the opportunity, and not making him [out to be] such a big star. He’s got two arms, two legs, and it’s about being the better man on the night when I do get in [the ring] with him.”
Sheeraz stands on the brink of the biggest fight of his career having accrued a record of 22 fights, no losses, and one draw, with 18 knockouts.
His rise to this position has often included training in Dubai. Four years ago, for example, he was training at Real Boxing Only, a gym in Al Quoz, in the UAE summer heat, with the air-con switched off and a sweat suit on, doing everything he could to boil down to 154lbs (just under 70 kgs).
At that stage of his career, he was an anomaly: a 1.91m-tall super welterweight. He would tower over opponents, and his reach was massive in comparison, but his frame was wiry.
Now he has packed on muscle, moved up two divisions, and says he is at his ideal weight as a result.
“Making 154lbs was an incredible challenge,” he said. “At that time, my muscle mass was not as developed as it is today, and the training methods, facilities, and team I had around me were still gaining experience.
“The move to 160lbs was already demanding, and now I’ve progressed to 168lbs, which is a much more natural and healthier weight for me. At this stage, the process feels more sustainable – no more extreme sweat-suit sessions – and we can even train with the AC on.”
Making weight for the Berlanga fight was a breeze, he said, in comparison to the challenge of having to fight a New Yorker on his home patch.
“Moving up to 168lbs for the Berlanga fight felt very natural,” Sheeraz said.
“The weight itself was comfortable because I knew I wouldn’t be facing such a big battle with the scales. There was still a small challenge, but nothing overwhelming.
“Mentally, that makes a huge difference; you don’t have the added pressure of fighting the scales before the actual fight.
“The real challenge came from stepping into his backyard and adjusting to a new coach, which naturally added pressure. But in terms of the move up in weight, it felt right and suited me perfectly.”
His dominance in the fight in New York at a new weight division was a huge boost for Sheeraz, following on from the draw he had in his previous fight.
In February, he was adjudged to have shared the spoils with Carlos Adames at The Venue Riyadh Season in the Saudi Arabian capital.
He banished any lingering doubts about that bout against the Dominican fighter with his explosive display on his first appearance in the United States.
“In terms of my US debut, I wouldn’t say I gained confidence from that fight itself, because I was already going in full of belief,” Sheeraz said.
“I know that might sound unusual given I was coming off a draw in my previous performance, but after that I made some changes. I refreshed my team, and I started working with The Brain & Performance Centre in Dubai.
“The strategy and recovery protocols they put in place really helped me overcome the setbacks from the last fight and allowed me to go into camp stress-free, injury-free, and in a much better mental and physical state.
“So, while I didn’t necessarily take confidence from the result, I felt I had almost manifested it and I knew it was going to happen.”
Having staged pre-fight training camps in the city previously, Sheeraz moved to Dubai full-time earlier this year.
His fight prep has included sessions at The Brain & Performance Centre in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, which specialises in hyperbaric oxygen therapy programmes.
The clinic has been used by a number of notable sports people who have suffered brain injuries in the past, such as former England rugby captain Dylan Hartley.
Sheeraz says he noticed “faster recovery from injuries, sharper performance, and a stronger, more resilient mindset” as a result of his sessions there.
While the switch to Dubai has made for a different lifestyle to the one he had growing up as an aspiring fighter in Slough, near London, he says he has not changed.
“I’m still the same person I was back in 2021, the same young lad who stays humble and keeps his feet firmly on the ground,” he said.
“Of course, after my last fight I’ve been noticed a lot more, and it can feel a little surreal. Youngsters come up to me, and people often tell me they’ve been following my journey and sometimes they even know more details about my career than I do myself.
“It’s a unique and humbling experience, but it’s also something I’ve always aspired to, and I’m truly grateful for it.”
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
RESULTS
2.30pm Jaguar I-Pace – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt)
1,600m
Winner Namrood, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi
(trainer)
3.05pm Land Rover Defender – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D)
1,400m
Winner Shadzadi, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
3.40pm Jaguar F-Type – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner Tahdeed, Fernando Jara, Nicholas Bachalard
4.15pm New Range Rover – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner Shanty Star, Richard Mullen, Rashed Bouresly
4.50pm Land Rover – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner Autumn Pride, Bernardo Pinheiro, Helal Al Alawi
5.25pm Al Tayer Motor – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 T) 1,000m
Winner Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm Jaguar F-Pace SVR – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,600m
Winner Scabbard, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Tomb%20Raider%20I%E2%80%93III%20Remastered
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
SPEC%20SHEET
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M2%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206%2C%20Bluetooth%205.0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%2C%20midnight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%20or%2035W%20dual-port%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C999%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
