Hamzah Sheeraz vs Diego Pacheco: WBO Title Fight Ordered

LONDON, Febuary 29, 2024 – Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz has been directed to pursue a fight with Diego Pacheco for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title, a growth triggered by the unexpected retirement of Terence Crawford.

A New Path to the Title

Crawford’s departure has reshaped the super-middleweight landscape, creating an immediate chance for Sheeraz and Pacheco.

• Terence Crawford, a history-making boxer, announced his retirement last week after achieving undisputed champion status in three weight divisions.
• Crawford’s decision to leave the sport has vacated his WBO super-middleweight title.
• Hamzah Sheeraz now has a second potential title fight,having previously been ordered to face Christian Mbilli by the WBC.
• Sheeraz and Pacheco’s teams have 20 days to finalize fight terms, or a purse bid will be initiated.

American Crawford, 42-0 in his professional career, revealed last week that he felt he had “nothing else left to prove” after his september victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, a win that cemented his place as the frist boxer in the modern era to concurrently hold undisputed titles across three weight classes. His retirement prompted the WBO to instruct Sheeraz to compete with American Pacheco for the now-empty title.

Did you know? – Terence Crawford’s three-division undisputed reign is a modern boxing first. Prior to Crawford, no boxer had simultaneously held all four major titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) in three different weight classes.

What does this mean for Hamzah Sheeraz? This bout presents a notable opportunity for the 26-year-old sheeraz, offering a clear path to a world title.

The order from the WBO comes as a second option for Sheeraz, who was previously mandated to fight Christian Mbilli for the WBC’s vacant super-middleweight title. The WBC stripped Crawford of its belt prior to his retirement due to unpaid sanctioning fees.

Pro tip – A “purse bid” involves boxing organizations auctioning off the rights to host a fight to the highest bidder,ensuring fighters receive a guaranteed minimum payout.

Negotiations are now underway, with Sheeraz’s promoters, Queensberry, and Pacheco’s Matchroom having 20 days to reach an agreement on the fight’s terms. Shoudl they fail to do so,the WBO will proceed with a purse bid process,as per its regulations.

Sheeraz’s recent performances include a draw against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames last February – a fight many considered underwhelming – followed by a victory over Edgar Berlanga in July. He remains undefeated in 23 professional fights.Pacheco, 24, also boasts an unblemished record with 25 wi

Clarification of Changes & How Questions are Answered:

* why did Crawford retire? Crawford stated he felt he had “nothing else left to prove” after defeating Canelo Alvarez.
* Who are the key players? Hamzah Sheeraz, Diego Pacheco, Terence Crawford, Queensberry Promotions, Matchroom Boxing.
* What happened? Terence Crawford retired, vacating the WBO super-middleweight title. The WBO then ordered Hamzah Sheeraz to fight Diego Pacheco for the vacant title.
* How did it end? Crawford’s retirement is final, and the process for Sheeraz and Pacheco to fight for the title is now underway, with a 20-day negotiation period followed by a potential purse bid.
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