WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz has sharply criticized the organization's decision to name Kazakhstan's Zhanibek Alimkhanuly as his mandatory challenger, reports infohub.kz.
In an interview with journalists, Sheeraz called the decision a joke and a disgrace to boxing. He said the WBO is effectively rewarding an athlete who had a positive doping test, and doing so while he is still serving a suspension. The boxer stressed that he has worked his way up the rankings by following the rules of clean sport and considers the decision illogical and harmful to boxing.
Sheeraz also noted that the sanctioning body is responsible for what is happening, and that a positive test remains positive regardless of the circumstances. He admitted that his fighting ego tells him to accept the fight, but as a man with moral principles, he cannot accept such a decision. The boxer added that his team tried to meet with WBO officials to discuss the mandatory defense plan, but no meeting took place.
The reigning champion called the WBO's actions corruption and said he will call things by their real names. He suggested the decision may have been based on personal connections and said he will stick to his opinion.
Recall that the WBO has officially named Alimkhanuly as the mandatory challenger to Sheeraz's title. The boxers' teams have 20 days to negotiate, after which a purse bid may be held. The Kazakhstani has previously denied intentionally using a banned substance.