Sheeraz criticises the WBO for recent mandatory ruling.
So far, Hamzah Sheeraz has enjoyed a pretty fruitful 2026. After becoming WBO super-middleweight champion by beating Alem Begic in May, he has since made a successful defence of his title with a victory over Simon Zachenhuber in July.
It was expected that after his most recent victory, the 27-year-old Englishman would likely be defending his world title against his highest available contender, who happened to be Denmark’s undefeated Jacob Bank.
Coming off a quartet of notable victories (including a stoppage of William Scull and a decision over Pawel August most recently), Bank was considered both an interesting and worthy challenger to Sheeraz’s title. However, it is now looking like he won’t be the one fighting Sheeraz next.
Earlier this week, the WBO installed Janibek Alimkhanuly as Sheeraz’s mandatory challenger. Janibek is the former unified middleweight champion who was ordered to serve a one-year ban after failing a drug test ahead of a unification fight in December of last year.
Coupled with the fact that Janibek hasn’t fought in the 168-pound division since his first few professional fights, this ruling was met with scrutiny from many in the boxing world, one of whom is Sheeraz himself.
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, when asked what he thought of the situation, Sheeraz stated, “I think it’s a joke. I think what the WBO have done here is disgraceful, disgraceful to the sport of boxin’, as well.
“What they’re essentially doin’ is rewarding someone who’s been popped [for drugs]. So, to me, it doesn’t make sense. And on top of all of that, [they’re] not just rewardin’ him for bein’ popped, but while he’s banned, while he’s still serving a ban.”
Later on in the interview, Sheeraz added, “I suppose it comes down to ulterior motives, corruption. And like I said, [it] doesn’t really give a good message to the sport of boxin’.”
And as for his future in the sport, Sheeraz has stated that he will consider a move to Zuffa Boxing after he has had the remaining fight under his deal with Queensberry Promotions.
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