Hamzah Sheeraz vacates WBO super middleweight title

Hamzah Sheeraz has voluntarily relinquished his WBO super middleweight world title. The decision follows a purse bid won by Queensberry Promotions for a mandatory defense against Janibek Alimkhanuly.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed the decision in a statement, noting that Sheeraz and his team elected not to proceed with the mandatory obligation. Sheeraz had previously expressed reservations regarding the matchup, citing Alimkhanuly’s history with a banned substance.

Alimkhanuly currently holds the number one ranking in the division. The WBO is scheduled to meet on September 21 to determine the future of the vacant championship title.