Hamzah Sheeraz could challenge Janibek Alimkhanuly for the world title in his next fight
The WBO have now officially ordered Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11KO) to defend his IBF and WBO middleweight world titles to Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0, 17KO) next.
Parties have 15 days to agree a deal, then it goes to purse bids.
The World Boxing Organisation stated: “Please be advised that the parties herein are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the subject matter bout.
“The camps are granted 15 days to reach an agreement. Failure to reach an agreement within the time provided herein will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
“The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight Division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred
Thousand Dollars).
“Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid ceremony at any time during the negotiation process.
“Lastly, this Committee reserves the right to issue any further rulings deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including, but not limited to rendering all rulings necessary to serve the best interests in the sport of professional boxing, including those in the Middleweight Division.”
British boxer Sheeraz won the European middleweight title in his last fight with Tyler Denny and now takes the natural next step up to world level.
Only last month, in September 2024, the 25-year-old star from Ilford battered the EBU champion Denny, in just two rounds, who had previously been on an eight-fight win streak, with victories over top prospects Brad Rea, Brad Pauls and Felix Cash.
It was Sheeraz’s third win of the year, previously crashing through world title challenger Liam Williams in one round in February, followed by a career-best win over unbeaten American prospect Austin Williams on the Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs 5 card in June.
Janibek has beaten two British boxers who challenged for his world crown before – Denzel Bentley and Danny Dignum.
The 31-year-old Kazakh has held the WBO world title for over two years and unified with the IBF in October 2023 by stopping titleholder Vincenzo Gualtieri in six rounds.
Only last week, October 4, did he defend both belts together for the first time against challenger Andrei Mikhailovich, winning in round nine.
The unified world champion took to X to say: “See, this is official! Me and my team are ready! Now we are waiting for a response from Hamza!”
Skilful, stylish and strong, Sheeraz is regarded as one of the top prospects in the UK right now and his activity this year will have provided the perfect preparation to take him into world title contention in early 2025.
