Insider: WBO Orders Janibek Alimkhanuly to Defend His Title

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has officially sanctioned negotiations for a bout between Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) and Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs), according to insider Michael Benson.

According to Benson, both parties have 15 days to reach an agreement, or the fight will go to a purse bid.

Alimkhanuly holds the IBF and WBO world titles in the middleweight division (up to 72.5 kg).

On October 4, Janibek won by technical knockout in the 9th round against Andrey Mikhailovich (21-1, 13 KOs) and defended his IBF title. On September 21, Sheeraz stopped Tyler Denny (19-3-3, 1 KO) by technical knockout in the 2nd round.