The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has announced a one-week extension for negotiations over the title bout between Kazakhstan's Janibek Alimkhanuly and Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz, reports infohub.kz.
The parties have been granted a reprieve until Thursday, September 10, 2026, to finalize an agreement and submit it to the WBO. The organization's statement notes that Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions jointly filed a request to extend the deadline to continue negotiations with the aim of reaching a deal.
If the parties fail to reach and present an agreement by the deadline, the WBO World Championship Committee will order a purse bid.
Earlier, the WBO mandated Sheeraz to defend his title against Alimkhanuly, who is ranked second in the organization. The Briton criticized the decision, citing the doping situation involving the Kazakhstani.
"Honestly, I think it's a joke. It's just a joke. What the WBO did is a disgrace to boxing. They are essentially rewarding a man who tested positive for a banned substance. It makes no sense to me," the boxer said.
In response, Alimkhanuly urged the reigning champion to accept the fight and prove his superiority in the ring. Later, Alimkhanuly addressed an ironic post to Hamzah Sheeraz.