Kazakhstani unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly and British contender Hamzah Sheeraz have been ordered by the WBO to face each other. The WBO’s mandate confirms the retention of Alimkhanuly’s WBO title after they issued a “show cause” notice to the Kazakhstani fighter and his team after he neglected to put his WBO title on the line in his last match on Friday, October 4th.

This past Friday, following Janibek Alimkhanuly’s (16-0, 11 KO’s) stoppage victory over Australian challenger Andrei Mikhailovich (21-1, 13 KO’s), the Kazakhstani champion’s WBO middleweight (160 lbs) title was not put on the line which prompted the WBO to send Alimkhanuly a “show cause” notice to explain the reason for the title’s absence. Alimkhanuly did successfully defend his IBF title in his technical knockout (TKO) victory over the Australian.

Janibek Alimkhanuly had been given 5 days to procure a viable reason for not defending his WBO title, and while this matter seems to have now been rectified, the sanctioning body has been quick to issue an order for Alimkhanuly and British contender Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KO’s) to face each other in a mandatory bout.

Sheeraz, 25, is largely regarded as one of the best fighters in the middleweight division, with prior performances and wins over American contender Austin “Ammo” Williams (16-1, 11 KO’s) and Tyler Denny (19-3-3, 1 KO’s) having significantly improved the British fighter’s standing. Following the WBO’s mandate, he is now the WBO mandatory challenger to Alimkhanuly’s WBO title.

Alimkhanuly still boasts the best reputation in the division, however, and with his grasp over both the WBO and IBF 160 lbs titles, he currently sustains a reputation as the best middleweight in the world. However, with Sheeraz noted this past year for his talent and potential, Janibek Alimkhanuly seems to be headed towards the toughest bout of the year―one that might just culminate in an unexpected loss for the Kazakhstani champion.

WBO has further indicated the two fighters’ teams will have 15 days [until October 23rd] to negotiate, whereafter purse bid proceedings will occur if the two teams fail to reach an agreement. Once the fight has been arranged, Janibek Alimkhanuly will be poised to defend both his WBO and IBF 160 lbs titles, which will mark Sheeraz’ first ever world title bout.

Notably, Alimkhanuly is signed to Top Rank while Sheeraz is signed to Queensberry Promotions. Given the two promotional outfits are known to be in an amicable partnership since Queensberry fighter Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KO’s) signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank, the upcoming negotiations are expected to go smoothly.