Hamzah Sheeraz is seen by many as one of Great Britain’s most promising fighters and a recent step up in opposition has seen him finally gain worldwide recognition. Now it seems as though a world title shot is around the corner.
Often compared stylistically to the legendary Tommy Hearns, lanky middleweight Sheeraz has impressed on the big stage during 2024 by halting Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and European champion Tyler Denny on blockbuster ‘Riyadh Season’ bills.
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Ammo Williams Fight Highlights | 5 vs 5: Queensberry vs Matchroom 🥊 pic.twitter.com/jES6L1NfIQ
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) June 2, 2024
Those stoppages saw Sheeraz stretch his sensational knockout streak to 15 consecutive fights, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the division, as well as one of the most talented.
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At 25-years-old, time is undoubtedly on Sheeraz’s side, and he now has both the skills and momentum that not only warrant a world title shot but has convinced fans around the globe that he may be the man to end the reign of undefeated Kazakh Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0), who holds both the WBO and IBF middleweight world titles.
Today, the WBO officially ordered a world title contest between Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz, with the respective teams of both men given 15 days to reach a deal.
“WBO Middleweight Mandatory Championship Contest – Negotiations
Zhanibek Alimkhanuly vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
Gentlemen:
Please be advised that the parties herein are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the subject matter bout. The camps are granted 15 days to reach an agreement. Failure to reach an agreement within the time provided herein will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight Division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid ceremony at any time during the negotiation process. Lastly, this Committee reserves the right to issue any further rulings deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including, but not limited to rendering all rulings necessary to serve the best interests in the sport of professional boxing, including those in the Middleweight Division.”
Alimkhanuly knocked out Andreii Mikhailovich on Friday night in Sydney to retain his world champion status with a typically dominant performance. However, there are growing concerns that ‘Qazaq’ Style may have outgrown the 160lb weight limit and that his time in the division is coming to an end.
Should this be the case, the contest for any vacant WBO title would likely take place between Sheeraz and his fellow Brit Denzel Bentley (20-3-1), who is ranked as the world number two with the WBO.
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