Hamzah Sheeraz is seen as one of the greatest active fighters in the United Kingdom and has been continuously linked to a showdown with unified middleweight world champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly. However, it was today been confirmed that the Briton has withdrawn from that proposed contest.
During a run of 15 consecutive knockout wins, Sheeraz (21-0) has emerged as one of Great Britian’s strongest talents and a run of three wins against Liam Williams, Austin Williams and Tyler Denny saw the 25-year-old gain recognition on the world stage.
Hamzah Sheeraz 21-0 (17 KOs) 💥
Soon to be world champ?#boxingpic.twitter.com/gQDLxxhjwj
— Steve Boxman (@SteveBoxman) October 14, 2024
That win over Denny at Wembley Stadium saw Sheeraz claim the EBU European Middleweight title and he was also installed as the mandatory challenger for Janibek Alimkhanuly’s WBO and IBF belts.
Since then, purse bids have been pushed back due to prolonged negotiations, with rumours suggesting that the Berkshire-born 160lb contender would get his shot at the marbles on the upcoming February 22nd Riyadh Season card, that is to be headlined by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
As such, it was expected that Alimkhanuly-Sheeraz was all but guaranteed to be the highlight of the undercard, but WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has now announced that Sheeraz and his team have pulled out of negotiations and that today’s scheduled purse bids for a showdown between the pair have been cancelled.
Be advised Promoter George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, on behalf of @sheeraz_hamzah confirmed fighter will withdraw the Mandatory against #WBO Middleweight Champion @qazaqstyle. Today’s purse bid is canceled. Committee will reconvene to determine next steps. @KlimasBoxing
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) November 18, 2024
“Be advised Promoter George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, on behalf of @sheeraz_hamzah confirmed fighter will withdraw the Mandatory against #WBO Middleweight Champion @qazaqstyle. Today’s purse bid is cancelled. Committee will reconvene to determine next steps. @KlimasBoxing”
Boxing Social understands that this decision has been made due to a deal being in place for Hamzah Sheeraz to instead challenge Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight crown on the February 22nd card, although a formal announcement or additional comment is yet to be made by Sheeraz and his team.
Adames has made one defence of his world title since being named as champion back in May, outpointing Terrell Gausha on the undercard of Gervonta Davis’ knockout victory over Frank Martin in June.
Meanwhile, Queensberry also promote both Brad Pauls (WBO #4) and Denzel Bentley (WBO #2) who fight on December 7th. The victor of that contest will therefore be well poised for the opportunity to fill in for Sheeraz and take on Alimkhanuly during 2025.
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