WBO orders Hamzah Sheeraz to defend title against Janibek Alimkhanuly

The WBO has ordered Hamzah Sheeraz to defend his super-middleweight title against Janibek Alimkhanuly. The governing body has instructed both fighters to begin negotiations immediately, providing a 20-day window to reach an agreement before the bout moves to purse bids.

Alimkhanuly enters the mandatory challenger position following a period of inactivity. The former unified middleweight champion has not fought since his stoppage victory over Anauel Ngamissengue in April 2025. His career was interrupted after he tested positive for the banned substance meldonium before a scheduled December bout against Erislandy Lara. While the IBF stripped him of his middleweight title, the WBO allowed him to vacate his belt and placed him as the number two contender at 168lbs.

Sheeraz, 27, currently holds the WBO super-middleweight title. He secured the vacant championship in May with a stoppage win over Alem Begic. His most recent title defence in July against Simon Zachenhuber resulted in a majority decision victory, a performance that drew criticism from some observers.

Before moving to the 168lbs division, Sheeraz recorded a knockout win over Edgar Berlanga. In February 2025, he fought Carlos Adames at middleweight in a WBC title bid that ended in a draw.

Alimkhanuly maintains an undefeated professional record of 17-0, featuring 12 knockout wins. He previously held the unified IBF and WBO middleweight titles.