10/08/2024
Photo Credit: No Limit Boxing/Top Rank Boxing
The WBO has officially ordered its reigning middleweight champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly, to defend his title against top-ranked contender Hamzah Sheeraz. This announcement comes just days after Janibek successfully defended his IBF Middleweight Championship against mandatory challenger Andrei Mikhailovich.
However, confusion surrounded the bout with Mikhailovich, as the New Zealand fighter only contested for the IBF title, despite the WBO also sanctioning the fight. After the match, the WBO issued a “Show Cause” notice to Janibek’s camp for failing to defend their belt, a decision that perplexed many in the boxing world. This notice sparked concern that Janibek’s WBO title could be forcibly vacated, adding to the confusion.
In an effort to clear up the situation, the WBO issued a ruling in a letter dated October 8, 2024, addressed to both Bob Arum, who promotes Janibek, and Frank Warren, the promoter of Hamzah Sheeraz. The letter 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.”
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Sheeraz, who has been steadily climbing the middleweight ranks, last fought in September when he dominated Tyler Denny, stopping him in the second round to capture the EBU Middleweight Championship. After that bout, Sheeraz openly called for a fight with Janibek, stating his desire to challenge the WBO and IBF champion. Janibek, for his part, responded positively, expressing a willingness to accept the challenge.
The WBO’s decision now sets the stage for a much-anticipated showdown. Previously, the EBU had ordered Sheeraz to fight Denzel Bentley in what was expected to be a contest for at least an interim WBO title. However, with the WBO now mandating a fight against the full champion, Sheeraz will need to defeat Janibek to claim his world title.
This fight has been brewing for some time. According to a report from Ring Magazine’s Jake Donovan, Janibek’s team had been offered over $1 million for a fight with Sheeraz earlier this year, an offer they reportedly declined, though Janibek’s camp has vehemently denied rejecting such an offer.
Now, with the WBO stepping in, both fighters must come to terms within 15 days or face a purse bid.
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