Hamzah Sheeraz Heads to World Title Shot After WBO Withdrawal

Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs) continues to impress every time he fights, enjoying a 3-0, 3 KOs 2024, with wins against Liam Williams, Austin Williams and his recent two-round destruction of Tyler Denny. Following his win over Denny, attention quickly turned to what could be next for the Slough native and the WBO soon ordered purse bids for Sheeraz vs. WBO/IBF titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly. Dan Rafael has now reported via his Fight Freaks Unite Substack that following the withdrawal from the purse bids, the 25-year-old Brit is heading for another world title shot against WBC champion Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs).

Hamzah Sheeraz Next Fight: 2025 WBC Title Shot

Sheeraz Withdraws from WBO Purse Bid for Adames Fight

Queensberry Promotions middleweight contender Sheeraz may have withdrawn from the scheduled purse bids to face Janibek, but he will still get his much-desired world title shot. According to Rafael, sources with knowledge have revealed that Sheeraz vs. Adames for the WBC title will take place on the Riyadh Season card on February 22.

Queensberry Promotions have recently signed the Slough native to a contract extension and were reportedly in talks with Premier Boxing Champions for him to face either Adames or Erislandy Lara. Rafel further reports that although the deal is not yet signed, both camps have agreed to terms for the fight.

The new WBO president Gustavo Olivieri also confirmed via his X account the withdrawal of the Brit from the Janibek purse bids.

Sheeraz vs. Adames

Sheeraz is exceptional at using his long reach and carries impressive power as shown in his fights, especially since moving up to middleweight. He moves his feet well for such a big fighter and doesn’t waste any punches. He’s also proved he can navigate difficult moments in his bouts, such as the Bradley Skeete and Ammo Williams fights.

Adames became the WBC champion following Jermall Charlo being stripped and has since defended that belt with a dominant unanimous decision win vs. Terrell Gausha. The Dominican fighter is an impressive pressure fighter but will need to get past that long reach of Sheeraz to have any impact on the Brit.