The WBO recently named Janibek the mandatory challenger for Sheeraz at 168 pounds. Janibek still has to get the fight and then beat a much bigger opponent in his first bout at super middleweight.
Sheeraz also has reason to pursue another option. His team could ask the WBO to set the mandatory aside while he seeks a unification against the Canelo vs. Mbilli winner. That would give Sheeraz a far more lucrative fight than defending against Janibek.
Timing complicates that possibility. Canelo does not challenge Mbilli for the WBC title until October 31. Sheeraz would effectively be waiting for a fight that does not exist yet, and the WBO would have to decide how long Janibek should wait for his mandatory opportunity.
Janibek’s prediction also assumes Canelo beats Mbilli. Only then would Canelo possess the WBC belt required for the unification Janibek is discussing.
Even if both results go exactly as Janibek envisions, another obstacle remains: Canelo would have to choose him.
Janibek may own the WBO title by then, but Canelo has numerous opponents with greater commercial appeal. Sheeraz himself offers the British market, while Chris Eubank Jr. represents another lucrative UK draw. A Terence Crawford return would generate huge business, and Dmitry Bivol provides Canelo a chance to avenge his 2022 defeat.
Jaron Ennis and Sebastian Fundora could eventually provide recognizable opponents moving up. David Benavidez remains a major name, although Canelo has shown no interest in fighting him.
There are also stars several divisions below Canelo who might become possibilities if they decided to make a Crawford-style jump. Ryan Garcia carries massive drawing power. Devin Haney and Conor Benn could also become commercially attractive choices if either pursued Canelo later in his career.
That is the difficulty Janibek faces. Becoming WBO champion would not force Canelo to consider him the best business option.
Osleys Iglesias provides another example. The IBF champion is one of the more dangerous fighters at 168, yet Canelo has given no indication he wants that matchup. Holding the IBF title does not automatically overcome the risk-versus-reward calculation. Janibek could encounter the same problem.
His route makes sense from a championship perspective: beat Sheeraz, take the WBO belt, and call for the WBC champion. Canelo operates from a much stronger commercial position and can choose among opponents capable of generating considerably more money.
Before that becomes relevant, Janibek has to get his shot at Sheeraz, beat him, and then hope Canelo gets past Mbilli.
Even if all three happen, Janibek still needs Canelo to pick him.
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