Hamzah Sheeraz no longer world champion after final decision on ‘corrupt’ mandatory fight

Hamzah Sheeraz has relinquished his WBO super-middleweight world title following the purse bid proceedings for his mandatory defence against Janibek Alimkhanuly.

Sheeraz captured the vacant belt, previously held by Terence Crawford, in Egypt by stopping Alem Begic inside two rounds. The Brit made one defence of the title – a majority decision over Simon Zachenhuber – before he was ordered to face Alimkhanuly.

The undefeated Khazak, previously unified champion at middleweight before announcing his move up to 168lbs, being installed as mandatory challenger was considered controversial given his failed doping test last year.

Promoters Queensberry for Sheeraz and Top Rank for Alimkhanuly failed to strike a deal and purse bids were called, with Queensberry winning with a bid of $1,001,809. Despite the Brit’s promoter controlling the rights to the fight, Sheeraz, as per WBO President Gustavo Olivieri, has opted to swerve the fight and drop the belt.

“The WBO confirms that Queensberry Promotions has formally notified in writing that Hamzah Sheeraz, per the terms resulting from the purse bid proceedings concerning his mandatory obligation against Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, has elected NOT to proceed with the Mandatory and has voluntarily relinquished his WBO Super Middleweight World Championship.

“The WBO acknowledges and respects the decision of Hamzah and his team. The WBO doors will always remain open to him, and we sincerely wish Hamzah and his team all the very best and continued success moving forward.

“The WBO World Championship Committee will render the applicable ruling on Monday, September 21, regarding the status of the WBO Super Middleweight World Championship and the division moving forward.”

Sheeraz had previously called the decision to mandate Alimkhanuly as his challenger ‘corrupt’ and had hinted at vacating the belt.