The World Boxing Organization has ordered Janibek Alimkhanuly to defend his WBO and IBF middleweight titles against mandatory Hamzah Sheeraz next. They have 15 days to agree before a purse bid.
The WBO’s order comes after Janibek knocked out undefeated Andrei Mikhailovich in the ninth round on Oct. 4 in Sydney, Australia. Janibek (16-0, 11 KOs) seemed to take it easy on the over-demanding Mikhailovich, letting him survive until the ninth round before finishing him off with a series of powerful punches.
It is unknown if the promoters for the undefeated Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs) will give him the green light to challenge Janibek, as he is a much more advanced fighter than the guys he’s enjoyed during his seven-year professional career.
Is the 6’3″ Sheeraz ready to battle a powerhouse like Janibek, or will he continue to be fed guppies in the small pond in the UK? I don’t see Sheeraz’s management agreeing to let him fight Janibek now or ever. He is completely wrong for Sheeraz, and he always will be. Sheeraz is a fringe contender type, but he’s not a real contender from the many fights I’ve seen him in action. The chin is too fragile.
Hamzah’s recent opposition:
– Tyler Denny: TKO 2
– Austin Williams: TKO 11
– Liam Williams: TKO 1
– Dmytro Mytrofanov: TKO 2
– River Wilson-Bent: TKO 2
Sheeraz was knocked out by Austin Williams in the early hours of the morning on June 1st in Riyadh earlier this year, and many people were talking about him being a hype job immediately after the fight. Although Sheeraz eventually scored an 11th round knockout of Austin, fans saw he had a chin problem.
In Sheeraz’s last fight, he faced the weak hitting EBU middleweight champion Tyler Dennyand he knocked him out in the second round at Wembley Stadium on 21 September.
The fact that Sheeraz was beaten against Denny after his poor performance against Austin Williams indicates to some that there is concern among his team about his ability to handle fighters with power. As such, Sheeraz was fed a weak puncher instead of a heavy hitter who could better prepare himself for the predatory fish on the high seas.
For looks, Sheeraz should challenge IBF/WBO middleweight champion Janibek for his two titles and lose rather than fight WBC champion Carlos Adames or WBA belt holder Erislandy Lara and be blown out of the water.
Being beaten by Janibek gives Sheeraz a better excuse than Adames or the 41-year-old Lara defeating him. There will be less negative backlash because Janinek is considered the best fighter in the 160-lb division.
