Overpriced Turki: Hamzah Sheeraz Gets Reality Check

British boxer Hamzah Sheeraz has voluntarily relinquished his WBO super middleweight title instead of facing mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly. The decision came after Queensberry Promotions won the purse bid with an offer of $1,001,809, which would have earned Sheeraz $751,356.75 under the WBO's 75-25 split. This figure is significantly lower than the seven-figure purses Sheeraz has recently grown accustomed to earning.

Sheeraz has reportedly earned massive paydays through his association with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, including an estimated $5 million for defeating Edgar Berlanga. Promoter Frank Warren had urged Sheeraz to take the fight after securing home advantage, but the fighter ultimately walked away. Critics suggest the decision highlights the financial disparity between Saudi-backed Riyadh Season events and traditional boxing market valuations.