Hamzah Sheeraz is seemingly edging closer towards making a mandatory defence of his WBO title, despite having accused the relevant sanctioning body of being “corrupt”.
The Brit became a world champion in May, scoring a second-round finish against the overmatched Alem Begic, who seemed largely undeserving of a major title shot at 168lbs.
Nevertheless, Sheeraz claimed the vacant belt and made a voluntary defence in July, with Simon Zachenhuber proving an awkward challenger before losing a majority decision.
It then came as a controversial ruling when the 27-year-old was ordered to defend his title against Janibek Alimkhanuly, who failed a doping test late last year.
In response, the WBO issued a year-long suspension but allowed the Kazakh to retain his world middleweight title, given that he is a ‘first-time offender’.
Since then, though, Alimkhanuly has vacated his belt and moved up to 168lbs, where he leapfrogged top contender Jacob Bank and became the mandatory challenger.
Sheeraz then responded by accusing the WBO of handling the situation with preferential treatment, which president Gustavo Olivieri has rather unsurprisingly denied.
Taking to social media on Thursday, Olivieri also stated that all relevant parties are moving forward with the ordered bout between Sheeraz and Alimkhanuly.
“Please be advised that Top Rank [Alimkhanuly’s promoter] and Queensberry Promotions [Sheeraz’ promoter] have jointly filed a petition requesting a one-week extension to continue negotiations toward reaching an agreement.
“Accordingly, the parties are granted an extension until Thursday, September 10, 2026, no later than 5pm Atlantic Standard Time (AST), to finalise and submit an agreement to the WBO.”
Re: Sheeraz/Zhanibek
Please be advised that Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions have jointly filed a petition requesting a one-week extension to continue negotiations toward reaching an agreement.
Accordingly, the parties are granted an extension until Thursday, September 10,…
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) September 3, 2026
If no agreement is reached by this deadline, then the WBO will order a purse bid hearing and allow other organisations to compete for promotional rights.
Sheeraz has previously admitted that vacating the belt is an option. Speaking on the Ariel Helwani show, he criticised the sanctioning body in no uncertain terms.
“I think it’s a joke. I think what the WBO have done here is disgraceful to the sport of boxing as well.
“What they’re essentially doing is rewarding someone who’s been popped [for a banned substance].
“I suppose it comes down to ulterior motives and corruption… I feel like it’s all based on personal relationships.”
The Brit’s next move will become clearer over the next seven days.
