WBO Orders Hamzah Sheeraz to Face Janibek Alimkhanuly

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has mandated super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz to compete against former unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. The two fighters have 20 days to negotiate a deal, after which purse bids will be initiated if an agreement is not reached.

Hamzah Sheeraz, boasting a record of 24 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, has defended his 168-pound title successfully after winning it in May against Alem Begic with a second-round knockout. He followed this with a points victory over Simon Zachenhuber in July, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Janibek Alimkhanuly, who has an undefeated record of 17 wins and 12 knockouts, last fought in April 2025 when he defended his IBF and WBO middleweight titles. His career faced a setback in December of the previous year when he failed a drug test four days prior to a scheduled match against Erislandy Lara, testing positive for meldonium. Alimkhanuly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I have always supported clean sport you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news.”

In February, the WBO imposed a one-year suspension on Alimkhanuly but allowed him to retain his championship title. However, the IBF stripped him of their title a month later. The WBO has since confirmed that Alimkhanuly’s suspension was “terminated” on July 10, enabling him to compete again.

While super middleweight contender Jacob Bank had also sought to be named Sheeraz’s mandatory challenger, the WBO ultimately decided in favor of Alimkhanuly, who has been cleared to return to the ring.

A WBO letter dated August 7 noted that Alimkhanuly had “fully cooperated” with the WBO’s investigative and administrative procedures prior to his suspension. The committee acknowledged that he is a first-time offender with an otherwise exemplary record and had not previously violated WBO Rules or anti-doping policies.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn