How lightbulb moment in Hazard's apartment helped Sheeraz

There was a particular moment that sparked Hamzah Sheeraz's boxing career into life.

As an apprentice electrician who stepped away from the sport after missing out on the Commonwealth Youth championships, Briton Sheeraz found himself fixing bulbs and sockets in former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard's apartment.

Feeling inspired standing in the middle of the flashy London accommodation, Sheeraz, 27, was back in the gym within two weeks and was signed with Frank Warren's Queensberry on his 18th birthday.

After winning the WBO super-middleweight title in May, Sheeraz is gearing up for a first defence against Simon Zachenhuber on Anthony Joshua's undercard on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

But first, Sheeraz reminisces on the lightbulb moment a decade ago.

"I was working in Eden Hazard's apartment fixing his bulbs and sockets and my ego or goals and aspirations kicked in, so I went back to the gym," Sheeraz told BBC Sport.

"There was nothing lined up for me. It wasn't like I had such a good amateur career and it was going to kick off. I just wanted to go back to the gym and see what happened.

"After two weeks, I was asked to be a sparring partner for some professionals at the time and I did well. I hung in there and they asked me to go over to Spain to do some camps with them.

"They were signed with Frank Warren at the time and by word of mouth, they trusted my coach at the time, Dominic Negus, to be signed to Frank.

"I didn't meet him for the first two or three years. I remember when I first met him, I thought it was crazy. Here we are today."

Sheeraz's crowning moment came in a one-sided second-round stoppage win over Alem Begic in May as he captured his first world title.

But the hunger from the undefeated fighter hasn't wavered.

A fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is the dream for almost every boxer and Sheeraz is no different.

The Mexican is regarded as one of the all-time greats in boxing after achieving world champion status in four weight divisions - and Sheeraz is keen on testing himself against one of his idols.

"I'd love it. A lot of people hear me say it," said Sheeraz, whose record sits at 23-0-1.

"I'm under no illusion that he chooses who he fights because he's earned the right, let's be honest. Props to him.

"It'd be a pinch-me moment if I got to fight him. I've been watching this guy since I was a kid, trying to learn from him and now you get the opportunity to fight him.

"It goes back to the saying of when your idols become your rivals."

Sheeraz has never been short of confidence and he is adamant he is on the route to greatness.

"I know that I'm here for a reason," he added.

"My hard work has taken me this far. God has taken me this far. My team and family have taken me this far.

"I believe that my true calling has yet to come. I can feel it coming."