Hamzah Sheeraz is expected to challenge for super-middleweight world honours upon his next outing, but his potential world title shot has gone to a purse bid hearing.
It appears 2026 could finally be the year that Hamzah Sheeraz gets his hands on a world title, but his shot at the super-middleweight crown has now gone to purse bids.
Sheeraz has been heralded as of the United Kingdom’s top fighters over the last couple of years, with wins over Austin Williams and Tyler Denny thrusting him into the spotlight.
However, the 26-year-old came up short when he challenged for Carlos Adames’ WBC middleweight world title last year, drawing with the Dominican Republican and being fortunate to avoid a first career defeat.
A move up in weight followed and Sheeraz looked sensational as he ran through Edgar Berlanga on his 168lb debut in New York and announced himself as a threat to the throne.
Now, following the retirement of Terence Crawford, three belts have been left vacant and Sheeraz has been ordered to face undefeated Californian Diego Pacheco for the WBO super-middleweight world title.
Although, it was today revealed that the contest will head to purse bids, as the respective teams of both men have been unable to reach an agreement for the fight, as per EverythingBoxing.
“PACHECO-SHEERAZ HEADED TO PURSE BID
“Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz have been unable to reach an agreement for their ordered WBO super middleweight world title fight. The WBO will now order a purse bid hearing with details to be confirmed.”
Whilst Sheeraz is desperate to claim world honours for the first time, Pacheco does not represent his only route towards a belt and the fight is far from guaranteed.
Sheeraz is also ranked as the #2 contender with the WBC and has been linked to a showdown with WBC interim champion Christian Mbilli for the vacant WBC super-middleweight strap.
It remains to be seen which option Sheeraz will opt for, but a world title challenge will definitely be next for the Slough-born bruiser.
🚨 PACHECO-SHEERAZ HEADED TO PURSE BID
Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz have been unable to reach an agreement for their ordered WBO super middleweight title fight. The WBO will now order a purse bid hearing with details to be confirmed. pic.twitter.com/whgyaLFybN
— EverythingBoxing | Darshan Desai (@EverythingBoxi2) January 12, 2026
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