Janibek Alimkhanuly says he wants his WBO-ordered fight with Hamzah Sheeraz to take place in New York.
The WBO has ordered Sheeraz to defend his super middleweight title against Janibek, with both camps given 20 days to reach an agreement before a purse bid.
“I hope Top Rank will organize our fight with Hamza and that it will take place in New York, because there are so many Kazakhs there,” Janibek wrote. “The whole arena will be filled with my fans!”
A deal is not guaranteed, however. Sheeraz’s team could seek an exception from the WBO, negotiate step-aside terms with Janibek or pursue another opponent.
If no agreement is reached and the WBO enforces the mandatory, the situation could eventually force Sheeraz’s team to decide whether to take the fight or vacate the title.
Image Credit: The Ring