The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz to make his next title defense against former unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.
The two sides have been given 20 days to reach an agreement. If they fail to do so, the WBO is expected to order a purse bid to determine promotional rights for the mandatory title fight.
The matchup presents an intriguing challenge for both fighters. Alimkhanuly, who is 17-0 with 12 knockouts, has never competed at super middleweight but has quickly moved into position for a world title opportunity after being ranked No. 2 by the WBO.
Former super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez remains ranked No. 1, but his scheduled October clash with WBC champion Christian Mbilli means Alimkhanuly is next in line for the WBO opportunity.
Why Janibek Was Chosen
The WBO selected Alimkhanuly ahead of unbeaten Danish contender Jacob Bank, who had twice petitioned the organization for mandatory contender status.
According to the WBO, Alimkhanuly's higher ranking and championship pedigree ultimately gave him the advantage over Bank.
Bank has been a longtime WBO Global super middleweight champion and has successfully defended the regional title three times. However, WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista Salas noted that Bank has faced only one opponent ranked by the organization during his professional career.
Alimkhanuly, meanwhile, brings considerably more championship experience to the table.
Alimkhanuly Returns to the Title Picture
Alimkhanuly previously held both the WBO and IBF middleweight titles before his championship run was interrupted in 2025.
The Kazakhstan-born contender was stripped of his IBF belt and suspended by the WBO after testing positive for meldonium ahead of a planned unification fight with WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara.
The WBO has now determined that Alimkhanuly cooperated with the process and completed his suspension, clearing him to compete for another world championship.
The 33-year-old southpaw last fought in April 2025, stopping Anauel Ngamissengue in the fifth round.
Sheeraz Fresh From Successful Defense
Sheeraz, 27, enters the mandatory defense following a successful title outing against Simon Zachenhuber in July at the Jeddah Superdome.
The British champion will now face one of the most accomplished middleweights of the current generation, although Alimkhanuly will be moving up in weight for the first time.
That makes the fight particularly interesting, as Sheeraz will have the natural size advantage while Alimkhanuly brings an unbeaten record, knockout power and extensive championship experience.
Alimkhanuly has already made his intentions clear and appears eager to use the opportunity to become a two-division world champion.
“Canelo, get ready! Inshallah, I'll beat Sheeraz and we'll unify the title! I can't wait for this fight! I'll soon become a world champion in two divisions!”
With the 20-day negotiation period now underway, the next step will be determining whether Sheeraz and Alimkhanuly can reach terms or whether the WBO will have to send the fight to a purse bid.
