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.

Quinn Hughes has a chance to eventually play with his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey, but he isn’t willing to give up what he has in Minnesota just for that. Hughes said Thursday that he is happy with the Wild and doesn’t feel pressure to sign an extension before the season.

The 26-year-old defenseman is entering the final year of his contract. He pointed to Kirill Kaprizov, who signed his extension with Minnesota on Sept. 30 last year, when talking about the timing of his own negotiations.

“I wouldn’t say there’s any issues here,” Hughes said. “I just think that we’re going through the process, specifically myself, and just taking the time. I don’t feel pressure to do anything. I’m really happy here. I love the guys. I love the team. And I fit in really well. Obviously, there’s a draw to playing with (my brothers) at some point. But I think Jack said it perfectly at (the recent NHL/NHLPA Player) Media Tour: I’m not going to sacrifice a great spot for me to play … with them.”

Hughes said the Wild give him what he wants from a hockey standpoint, including a chance to compete for a championship. Playing with his brothers remains something he would like to do at some point, but it isn’t the only factor in his future.

Quinn Hughes has one year left on his six-year, $47.1 million contract, which carries a $7.85 million AAV. He can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027, if he doesn’t sign a new deal with Minnesota.

Wild GM Bill Guerin remains confident Quinn Hughes will re-sign

Quinn Hughes isn’t rushing his next contract, but Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin expects the defenseman to stay. Guerin said last month that he is “confident” Hughes will sign a new deal with the team.

Guerin spoke about Quinn Hughes on Judd’s Hockey Show on SKOR North Radio during the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 31.

“I’m confident. That’s the luxury I have of being on the inside,” Guerin said. “There’s always the other side of it. I can be confident, you can be insecure, you just have to work through the process of the negotiations, figuring out what the player wants, what it will take to keep him, make him happy.”

Hughes could be in line for a massive payday. He is expected to command an annual salary around or above the NHL record for a defenseman, set by Cale Makar with his eight-year, $163.2 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Makar’s deal carries a $20.4 million AAV.

Quinn Hughes had 53 points, including 48 assists, in 48 regular-season games for Minnesota last season. He added 15 points in 11 playoff games, recording 4 goals, and 11 assists during that postseason run.