Janibek Alimkhanuly Wants WBO Fight With Hamzah Sheeraz in New York

Janibek Alimkhanuly wants his WBO-ordered fight with Hamzah Sheeraz to take place in New York. The two camps have 20 days to agree terms before the contest can move to a purse bid.

Alimkhanuly hopes Top Rank, which represents his side of the negotiations, can stage the bout in a city with a large Kazakh community. He expects strong support from Kazakh fans if the fight is held there.

The WBO order gives Alimkhanuly a guaranteed position in negotiations for Sheeraz’s super middleweight title. It does not ensure that the champion will enter the ring against him, with Queensberry still able to pursue other options for its fighter.

Queensberry could seek an exception from the WBO, negotiate step-aside terms with Alimkhanuly or steer Sheeraz towards an opponent viewed as more commercially attractive. The British fighter is a young, marketable name who has featured regularly on cards backed by Turki Alalshikh.

Another possibility would be for Sheeraz to relinquish the WBO belt. That could become an option if the governing body maintains its order and Alimkhanuly rejects a step-aside arrangement. Giving up the title may be considered less damaging than risking Sheeraz’s earning potential in a difficult fight.

Alimkhanuly is regarded as a major sporting danger because of his skill and power. His appeal at the box office is considered more limited, making the bout a complicated business proposition for Sheeraz’s handlers. A victory would enhance Sheeraz’s standing among serious boxing followers, while a defeat could disrupt plans for more lucrative contests.

Top Rank can push for the fight and New York remains Alimkhanuly’s preferred venue. The key issue is whether Queensberry accepts the matchup and allows Sheeraz to face the WBO mandatory challenger.