Following Hamzah Sheeraz’s decision to relinquish his WBO world title rather than face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly, a fight has now been agreed for the vacant belt.
Sheeraz made the decision to drop the belt shortly after his promoter, Queensberry Promotions, successfully won the purse bids to stage the mandated defence.
The withdrawal, which came after the Brit expressed grievances over Janibek’s failed doping test last year, forced the WBO to pivot quickly and move down its rankings, and formally instructed Alimkhanuly to face undefeated contender Jacob Bank for the vacant strap.
Today, the sanctioning body’s President, Gustavo Olivieri, released the following statement confirming that both parties have reached an agreement.
“The WBO is pleased to confirm receipt of formal written notification from Team Zhanibek Alimkhanuly and Team Jacob Bank that the parties have reached terms to contest the vacant WBO Super Middleweight World Championship. Further details will be announced in due course.”
Alimkhanuly has long claimed to be one of the sport’s most avoided fighters. The Kazakh southpaw built a fearsome reputation at middleweight, unifying titles with his punishing, heavy-handed style.
Before a highly-anticipated unification with Carlos Adames late last year, he tested positive for the banned substance meldonium. He was stripped by the IBF, but the WBO’s decision to immediately install him as mandatory challenger at super-middleweight infuriated Sheeraz, who branded it ‘corrupt.’
Now standing in the 33-year-old’s way of becoming a two-division champion is undefeated Dane Jacob Bank. The 25-year-old has quietly climbed the WBO rankings to build a flawless 20-0 record, largely operating on the European circuit where he notably stopped previously unbeaten contender William Scull earlier this year.
As for Sheeraz, news on his next bout – understood to be the final in his current contract with Queensberry – is expected soon.
