Hamzah Sheeraz vs Janibek Heads To Purse Bid

The WBO has ordered a purse bid for Hamzah Sheeraz’s super middleweight title defense against Janibek Alimkhanuly, allowing promoters to compete for control of the fight.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed that the proceedings are scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, at 2:00 p.m. AST, at the sanctioning body’s headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Please be advised that the WBO has received official confirmation from Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank that the parties have been unable to reach an agreement within the prescribed negotiation period.

“Accordingly, the WBO World Championship Committee will order purse bid proceedings, scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (AST), at the WBO Main Offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico,” Olivieri said on X.

Wednesday’s bidding will determine which promoter controls the location, financial terms and broadcast distribution. Queensberry has invested heavily in Sheeraz, while Top Rank has reason to spend aggressively to give Janibek home-field promotional control.

Neither company will want its fighter placed on a rival platform. How far Queensberry is willing to go financially may depend on its valuation of Sheeraz against a mandatory challenger with Janibek’s ability but limited commercial appeal.

Winning the bid does not guarantee that the fight takes place. Sheeraz can surrender the belt if Queensberry decides the purse and rival promotional terms fail to justify the danger. That option may become more tempting if Top Rank wins with a figure that leaves Sheeraz accepting less money and less control than his side wanted.

Vacating would carry its own cost. Sheeraz retained the championship by majority decision against Simon Zachenhuber, but he still needs a victory over a recognized top-level opponent. Janibek offers the credibility that another controlled title defense would not provide.

The challenge goes beyond Janibek’s left-handed stance. He cuts off space by stepping outside an opponent’s lead foot, then changes his punching angle once the longer fighter reaches the ropes. Sheeraz prefers to operate upright at long range, using straight punches to manage distance.

That creates a tactical danger. The challenger can slip outside Sheeraz’s jab or right hand and bring his overhand left through the opening. Sheeraz will need lateral exits rather than backing away in a straight line.

Size presents the unknown for Janibek. He is moving up from middleweight, while Sheeraz has had time to settle into the 168-pound division. His timing should travel with him, but his punch resistance and late-round strength against a larger champion remain unknown.

Victory gives either fighter a strong position in the super middleweight division. If Sheeraz vacates, however, the WBO’s decision to accelerate Janibek into the mandatory position after his move up will receive even greater scrutiny from the contenders who were already competing at 168.