Janibek Wants Sheeraz Fight In New York

Janibek presents a serious threat to a lucrative business operation. Sheeraz is a young, marketable British attraction who regularly receives prominent placement on Turki Alalshikh-backed cards. Queensberry has several ways to generate large paydays from him without matching him against a dangerous southpaw who offers limited box-office appeal.

Top Rank can press for an agreement, but Queensberry controls the champion. Frank Warren’s company can request a WBO exception, offer Janibek step-aside money or direct Sheeraz toward a more profitable opponent.

The nuclear option remains vacating the WBO belt. If the organization enforces its order and Janibek refuses to step aside, Queensberry may decide that surrendering the championship costs less than risking Sheeraz’s earning power.

That decision will probably rest with Sheeraz’s management rather than the fighter. Boxers believe they can defeat anyone placed before them. Their handlers are paid to calculate the financial damage of a loss against the value of accepting the fight.

Alimkhanuly represents an unappealing business fight. He has the skill and power to beat Sheeraz but lacks the audience required to justify the danger. A win would earn Sheeraz greater respect among dedicated boxing followers. A loss would interfere with plans for far richer events.

New York works if Queensberry accepts the matchup. Janibek’s real challenge is getting Sheeraz into the ring.