Janibek Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank ordered to contend vacant WBO 168 belt

Following Hamzah Sheeraz’s decision to relinquish the WBO super middleweight title, the sanctioning body has ordered a bout for the vacant belt between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank.

Sheeraz had been ordered to face Alimkhanuly, the former WBO beltholder at 160lbs, despite the Kazakh being out of action since testing positive for banned substance meldonium last November.

The positive test scuppered a bout with Erislandy Lara and the IBF strip Alimkhanuly, 17-0 (12 KOs). The WBO, however, allowed 33-year-old Alimkhanuly to keep hold of his belt while he served a suspension.

Sheeraz had previously voiced his displeasure at the mandatory status of Alimkhanuly at 168lbs and indicated before the purse bids, which were won by Queensberry Promotions with a bid of $1,001, 809, he would give up the title unless paid handsomely.

Though set to earn 75 per cent of the winning bid, Sheeraz opted to give up the belt.

“Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee has ordered negotiations between [Janibek] Alimkhanuly and the first AVAILABLE contender, WBO [No.3] world-rated Jacob Bank, to vie for the vacant WBO [super-middleweight title],” stated WBO president Gustavo Olivieri.

“The parties are granted 15 days to negotiate and reach an agreement. Should an agreement not be reached within the prescribed period, purse bid proceedings will be ordered accordingly.”

Denmark’s Bank, 20-0 (11 KOs) and 25 years old, is widely regarded as one of the leading super middleweight contenders after stopping former beltholders Tyron Zeuge (September 2025) and William Scull (January 2026) in consecutive bouts.