Hamzah Sheeraz reacts to WBO ordering Janibek Alimkhanuly fight

The super middleweight division is set for an interesting end to 2026. Hamzah Sheeraz is the current WBO champion, with many wondering what’s next for the Brit. The WBO have now made their move and ordered Sheeraz to defend his world title against Janibek Alimkhanuly. The reigning champion recently appeared on the Ariel Helwani Show, where he gave his honest reaction to the WBO’s order.

WBO order: Hamzah Sheeraz recent form

Sheeraz (24-0-1, 19 KOs) won his world title with a straightforward stoppage win against the vastly overmatched Alem Begic. He returned to action soon after, defeating Simon Zachenhuber by majority decision. It was an underwhelming performance, but Sheeraz retained his title.

WBO order Sheeraz defence

The order to fight Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) is a controversial one, with the organisation requesting both teams enter into negotiations. The letter requesting negotiations is dated Aug. 7 and gives both teams 20 days from that date to “reach and execute mutually acceptable terms.” Failure to do so will send this to a purse bid.

Alimkhanuly has not fought since April of last year. Most of this time has seen him serve a suspension for testing positive for meldonium. The IBF subsequently stripped the Kazakh fighter of his middleweight title.

The Kazakh fighter was also the WBO middleweight champion, and despite not being stripped of that title, he was suspended for a year, with Dezel Bentley eventually being rightfully elevated following his brilliant win over Endry Saavedra. 

The suspension from the WBO was lifted on July 10 after Alimkhanuly’s “compliance with the conditions imposed by the [WBO] committee.” He has since petitioned the organisation to become mandatory challenger to Sheeraz, resulting in the Sheeraz-Alimkhanuly order.

Hamzah Sheeraz gives his honest verdict on Alimkhanuly order

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Sheeraz made it perfectly clear he’s not happy with the order from the WBO:

“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.

“I suppose it comes down to ulterior motives and corruption… I feel like it’s all based on personal relationships.”

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Looking at the WBO order, it’s difficult to understand where they are coming from. Alimkhanuly has had his suspension cut short and rewarded with a world title shot at 168 pounds, bypassing fighters such as Jacob Bank, who have worked their way into a title opportunity.

Yes, it will be great to see Sheeraz with his biggest test since Carlos Adames, but the fact remains, given what Alimkhanuly tested positive for, he doesn’t deserve a world title shot in his first fight back. Moving to 168 pounds is a fascinating move for the Kazakh, but he should have to work his way up in that weight and earn the opportunity.

Featured Image Credit:

Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images