The future of Hamzah Sheeraz’s super-middleweight reign remains uncertain as he is faced with a decision regarding his WBO world championship status.
A vacant title opportunity saw the Brit emerge triumphant in May, scoring an uncomplicated second-round finish over the glaringly overmatched Alem Begic.
After that, Sheeraz made a successful first defence against Simon Zachenhuber, who presented an awkward southpaw style but ultimately lost a majority decision in July.
The time has now come for Sheeraz to face his mandatory challenger, though, with the WBO having awarded this privilege to former unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Despite being stripped of his IBF strap at 160lbs, the Kazakh was allowed to retain his WBO belt after testing positive for banned substance meldonium last November.
Naturally, this created considerable confusion among fans, who were largely baffled by how one sanctioning body can act in complete contrast to the other.
But regardless of such bewilderment, the WBO has now ordered a purse bid hearing after Queensberry and Top Rank, the respective promoters of Sheeraz and Alimkhanuly, were unable to reach an agreement.
Taking to social media, Alimkhanuly expressed his frustration with Sheeraz, who must either proceed with his mandatory duty or vacate the 168lb title.
“He’s dragged this out way too long. If he wants the fight, then say it and make it happen. If he doesn’t want to fight, he needs to vacate the title. I don’t have time to waste!”
He’s dragged this out way too long. If he wants the fight, then say it and make it happen. If he doesn’t want to fight, he needs to vacate the title. I don’t have time to waste!
— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@qazaqstyle) September 9, 2026
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has confirmed the purse bid hearing will be held on September 16, with the usual 75/25 split weighted in favour of the defending champion.
