Sheeraz vs. Alimkhanuly?

Sheeraz was previously in line to face Janibek Alimkhanuly, the IBF and WBO middleweight champion, but he and his team opted for a different path, as he now squares off against Carlos Adames on the undercard of Bivol vs. Beterbiev 2. Promoter Frank Warren explained the decision, emphasizing strategic opportunities for Sheeraz and the potential for British dominance at middleweight.

"One, I obviously feel he can win the fight," Warren told BoxNation. "And two, we’ve got the fight on Saturday, which is now becoming a final eliminator, and the winner of that will fight for the WBO title." The December 7 bout he referenced pits Brad Pauls and Denzel Bentley, ranked No. 1 and 2 by the WBO, against each other. Warren hopes this move could lead to two British world champions at middleweight and a lucrative unification fight down the line.

Watch Adames vs. Gausha highlights: Watch

Adames has been dominant in recent years, with notable wins over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Juan Macias Montiel, and Julian Williams. His victory over Montiel earned him the WBC interim title, which was elevated to the full title earlier this year. In June, he made a successful first defense against Terrell Gausha, showcasing his class at the top level.

Sheeraz, meanwhile, has emerged as a top contender, building a reputation as the division’s rising star. "I believe that [Sheeraz] can win this fight. It won’t be easy at all, by the way," Warren said. "He’s in with a good, good quality fighter. He's had good grounding, good schooling. This is the time to do it for him. This should be his time. But it’s a tough fight."

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