Two unbeaten rivals ordered to fight for super middleweight title after Terence Crawford retires

The future of the super middleweight division is starting to become clearer following Terence Crawford‘s retirement from the sport.

Crawford shocked the boxing world last week when he announced that he was now retired, hanging up the gloves with a perfect 42-0 record.

The American superstar had picked up the biggest win of his career back in September when he stepped up two weight divisions to dethrone Canelo Alvarez, becoming undisputed super-middleweight champion in the process.

It appeared that a rematch between Crawford and Canelo could have been on the cards for 2026, but instead ‘Bud’ has opted to call time on his career, with a number of hungry contenders now looking to pick up the world titles he will relinquish.

The WBO have been quick to make their plans known for their belt, after they officially ordered a fight between unbeaten pair Hamzah Sheeraz and Diego Pacheco.

Sheeraz was last in action in July, when he knocked out Edgar Berlanga inside five rounds in what was the Brit’s debut at 168lbs. Prior to that, he had challenged Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title, but was held to a split decision draw.

As for Pacheco, he has won all 25 of his professional bouts, with his latest triumph coming earlier this month when he claimed a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Sadjo.

The teams of Sheeraz and Pacheco are yet to confirm if they intend to go through with the bout, but with a world title belt on the line, it there is a good chance it will take place at some stage in early 2026.