Queensberry Wins Purse Bid for Sheeraz vs. Alimkhanuly Fight

According to ESPN, Queensberry Promotions won an official purse bid of just over a million dollars for the WBO super middleweight title fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Janibek Alimkhanuly, edging out Top Rank’s $820,000 offer. Promoter Frank Warren is targeting dates in late November or early December across locations in London, Birmingham, or New York, moving the mandatory bout closer to reality despite previous friction over the challenger’s eligibility.

Purse Bid Breakdown and Financial Terms

The financial battle for promotional rights concluded in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as reported by Boxing News Online. Queensberry Promotions secured the event with a winning bid of $1,001,809, outperforming Top Rank’s submission of $820,000. Under the purse split rules for the mandatory defense, Sheeraz is guaranteed 75% of the total purse, amounting to approximately $750,000, while Alimkhanuly will receive the remaining share.

Did you know? Purse bids are triggered when promotional entities fail to reach a negotiated agreement within a designated window set by the sanctioning body, forcing an open auction for promotional rights.

Proposed Dates and Venue Options

Promoter Frank Warren announced plans to stage the matchup on either November 28 or December 5, with targeted venues in London, Birmingham, or New York City, according to ESPN. In contrast, Boxing News Online noted that Top Rank submitted alternative proposals for December 11 or December 19 in Las Vegas. The winning bid from Queensberry gives them absolute control over the final location and event logistics.

Controversy Surrounding the Mandatory Challenger

The matchup has drawn public scrutiny from Sheeraz, who questioned the WBO’s decision to install Alimkhanuly as a mandatory challenger. According to Boxing News Online, Sheeraz has pointed to Alimkhanuly’s failed drug test for meldonium last year and subsequent inactivity. Alimkhanuly has since been cleared to resume his career and aims to become a two-weight world champion after previously holding the WBO and IBF titles at middleweight.

Sheeraz earned his position by stopping Alem Begic in the second round in May before defending the vacant WBO super-middleweight title against Simon Zachenhuber in July. Faced with the choice of accepting the mandatory defense or relinquishing the belt, Sheeraz has not entirely ruled out vacating the title to pursue other career opportunities, though doing so could impact his leverage against top divisional names like Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the purse bid for Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Janibek Alimkhanuly?

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions won the purse bid with an offer of $1,001,809, besting Top Rank’s $820,000 bid, as reported by ESPN.

Hamzah Sheeraz and Janibek Alimkhanuly
Photo: boxingnewsonline.net

What are the proposed dates and locations for the fight?

Queensberry is targeting November 28 or December 5 in London, Birmingham, or New York, according to ESPN and Boxing News Online.

What is the purse split for the fighters?

Sheeraz is guaranteed 75% of the purse, roughly $750,000, with Alimkhanuly receiving the remainder.

Why has the fight faced controversy?

According to Boxing News Online, Sheeraz has publicly questioned Alimkhanuly’s mandatory status following a failed drug test for meldonium last year.

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