WBO Orders Sheeraz Vs. Alimkhanuly

The WBO has ordered Hamzah Sheeraz to make his next super middleweight title defense against Janibek Alimkhanuly, passing over higher-ranked options due to scheduling and eligibility.

Sheeraz, 27, won the vacant title with a second-round knockout of Alem Begic earlier this year and made his first defense in July, edging Simon Zachenhuber by majority decision. Canelo Alvarez is the WBO's No. 1 challenger but is committed to fighting Christian Mbilli in September, pushing the sanctioning body to Alimkhanuly at No. 2 over Diego Pacheco and Jacob Bank, whose request to challenge Sheeraz was rejected.

Alimkhanuly has never fought at 168 but qualifies through his 2025 WBO middleweight title reign before moving up in weight. Both sides have 20 days to reach a deal before purse bid proceedings are ordered.