Hamzah Sheeraz Vacated WBO Super Middleweight Title
The boxer elected to step down rather than face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly in a title bout.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Boxing
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The WBO has confirmed that Hamzah Sheeraz officially vacated his super middleweight title. The decision followed Sheeraz opting against a mandatory defense against Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Why it matters
The move avoids a high-stakes title fight against an undefeated mandatory challenger, significantly altering the division's leadership landscape. Queensberry Promotions had successfully won the purse bid to host the bout.
Queensberry secured the rights to the fight with a bid over $1 million, compared to the $820,000 submission from Top Rank. The purse distribution was structured as 75% for Sheeraz and 25% for Alimkhanuly.
The players
Hamzah Sheeraz
He is a professional boxer who held the WBO super middleweight title before vacating it.
Janibek Alimkhanuly
He is an undefeated professional boxer with a 17-0 record who was the mandatory challenger for the title.
WBO
The World Boxing Organization is a major sanctioning body that regulates professional boxing matches and maintains championship titles.
Queensberry
This is a boxing promotional firm that won the purse bid to represent Sheeraz for the now-canceled championship bout.
Top Rank
This is an international boxing promotion company that manages top-tier fighters and participated in the purse bidding process.
The details
Queensberry notified the WBO in writing that Sheeraz chose not to proceed with the contest against Alimkhanuly. Alimkhanuly holds an undefeated professional record of 17-0, including 12 knockouts.
Timeline
July 10, 2026: The one-year suspension for Alimkhanuly was terminated.
August 2026: The WBO ordered the mandatory title defense.
September 18, 2026: The WBO confirmed that Sheeraz vacated the title.
The Big Picture
This event follows the established rules of the WBO mandatory challenger protocol by vacating the title following a fighter's refusal to comply with the order.
The division enters a period of uncertainty as the WBO must now determine the next steps for the vacant title. This development removes the anticipated matchup from the upcoming fight schedule for international boxing enthusiasts.
The takeaway
Fighters often vacate titles when they decide against the mandatory requirements set by governing bodies like the WBO. Fans should monitor future announcements from sanctioning organizations regarding how the now-vacant belt will be contested.
Further reading
For more information on recent championship changes, visit our Boxing section.
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