Janibek Corners Hamzah Sheeraz Before WBO Deadline

Sheeraz has already built a possible defense for refusing the fight. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he called the WBO’s ruling a “joke” and criticized the organization for rewarding Janibek after his positive test for meldonium.

The clean-sport objection has merit. The WBO shortened Janibek’s suspension, allowed him to move directly into a mandatory position at 168 pounds, and selected him over Jacob Bank despite Janibek never fighting in the division. Bank had actively campaigned at super middleweight and petitioned for the same opportunity.

Still, Sheeraz’s moral position also provides a convenient exit. He can vacate while claiming he refused to cooperate with a sanctioning body order he considers disgraceful, rather than admitting that Janibek presents too much danger for too little money.

Surrendering the title would harm Sheeraz’s reputation. He won the vacant belt against 39-year-old Alem Begic and struggled through a majority verdict over Simon Zachenhuber in his first defense. Leaving before facing Janibek would support the Kazakh’s claim that Sheeraz was only a “champion by name.”

Facing Janibek carries the greater career risk. He is a precise southpaw counterpuncher with the power to punish the defensive lapses Sheeraz showed against Zachenhuber. A decisive loss would cost Sheeraz his belt and reduce his value for larger fights against Canelo Alvarez or Chris Eubank Jr.

The history makes an escape harder to disguise. Sheeraz withdrew from negotiations when the WBO ordered him to challenge Janibek at middleweight. After Sheeraz moved to 168 and became champion, Janibek followed him into the division.

Vacating can be presented as a principled business choice. Getting stopped by the opponent who pursued him through two weight classes would be far worse. Janibek has left Sheeraz to choose which consequence he is willing to accept.