Hamzah Sheeraz chooses WBO title route over WBC

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Christian Mbilli purse bids cancelled

Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) has chosen to challenge Diego Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs) next, after the WBC have cancelled their purse bids for Hamzah Sheeraz vs Christian Mbilli.

The cancellation came after the WBO extended their negotiation period until January 30, 2026.

So, if both teams, Queensberry (Sheeraz) and Matchroom (Pacheco) can agree terms before the purse bids are called on Friday next week, then there will be an exciting world title fight announcement very soon.

One fan on X reacted to the news with: "I think Hamzah wins both fights, but I definitely think Pacheco's style suits Hamzah's better."

Another wrote: "Either or is a cracking contest, I fancy Hamzah in both."

Both boxers in their mid-20s are unbeaten with 18 knockout wins. Pacheco, 24, is ranked WBO #2, behind Canelo, and Sheeraz, 26, is WBO #3.

Hamzah's meteoric rise through the middleweight rankings was brought down by WBC champion Carlos Adames after the pair fought to a draw in 2025. Sheeraz's underwhelming performance was a realisation that he had outgrown the weight and he promptly moved up to 168lbs where he emphatically destroyed Edgar Berlanga in five rounds in July 2025.

Mexican-American Diego won the WBC Silver super-middleweight title in his last fight in December 2025, decisioning 26-0 Kevin Lele Sadjo unanimously.

Sheeraz hasn't fought in six months, so he will be keen to book their fight date in for the first quarter of 2026, which Pacheco will equally be ready for.

DID YOU KNOW? The now vacant WBO super-middleweight world title was once in possession of British and Irish boxers for 16 years from 1991 to 2007, held by Chris Eubank (ENG), Steve Collins (IRE) and Joe Calzaghe (WAL).