Key keywords: Hamzah Sheeraz, Simon Zachenhuber, WBO European super welterweight title, professional boxing title defense, undefeated boxing prospects, 2024 London boxing event, boxing critics, world title contention Undefeated WBO European super welterweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz has hit back at ongoing criticism from boxing analysts and fans ahead of his mandatory title defense against German contender Simon Zachenhuber, scheduled for this Saturday at London’s Copper Box Arena. For months, a vocal section of the boxing community has questioned the quality of Sheeraz’s recent opponents, claiming the 25-year-old British prospect has been “fed low-level opposition” to pad his 20-0 professional record, which includes 16 knockouts. Speaking at the final pre-fight press conference on Wednesday, Sheeraz dismissed these claims as uninformed, noting that his career trajectory has been carefully mapped by his team to prepare him for eventual world title challenges. “People who say I’ve been taking easy fights don’t understand how professional boxing works at this level,” Sheeraz told reporters. “Every fight I take is a stepping stone to get me sharper, stronger, and more prepared for the best fighters in the 154-pound division, whether that’s Tim Tszyu, Jermell Charlo, or anyone else holding a world belt right now. I don’t cut corners, I don’t pick easy fights, and anyone who thinks Zachenhuber is an easy mark hasn’t watched his tape.” Zachenhuber, 27, enters the bout with an unblemished 22-0 record, including 11 stoppages, and has held multiple regional titles across the German and European circuits. The German challenger has previously stated that he plans to exploit gaps in Sheeraz’s defensive game, which critics have highlighted as a potential weakness in previous bouts. Sheeraz added that he has spent the past 12 weeks refining his defensive technique and counterpunching rhythm in training camp, working alongside veteran coach Ricky Funez to address the flaws pointed out by critics. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that a win for Sheeraz this weekend will secure him a top 2 ranking in the WBO super welterweight division, putting him in line for a world title shot within the next 12 months. The fight will be broadcast live globally on BT Sport and ESPN+, with over 9,000 tickets already sold for the arena event. Pre-fight betting odds currently list Sheeraz as the 1/4 favorite, but oddsmakers have noted that Zachenhuber’s unbeaten record and high work rate make him a far more dangerous opponent than many casual fans expect.