Super Middleweight Division Faces New Turmoil as WBO Intervenes
The super middleweight boxing division finds itself in a state of confusion once again. A brief period of stability emerged when Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez and claimed control of the 168-pound weight class. That moment of clarity proved short-lived. Crawford's sudden retirement announcement left the division without a clear leader. With two of boxing's biggest stars now absent, the weight class relies heavily on sanctioning bodies to restore order.
WBO Steps In After Negotiations Collapse
The latest development highlights just how unsettled the situation has become. The World Boxing Organization has taken decisive action after talks between two leading contenders broke down completely. Hamzah Sheeraz and Diego Pacheco received orders to negotiate for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. When the fighters failed to reach any agreement, the WBO moved to the next phase. The organization is now forcing the fight toward a purse bid process.
The WBO confirmed this decision through an official notice. The announcement clearly stated "Purse Bid Notice- Vacant WBO Super Middleweight Championship Contest Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Diego Pacheco." WBO president Gustavo Olivieri provided a straightforward explanation of the situation. He said, "As the parties have been unable to reach an agreement within the allotted time, the WBO will proceed with purse bid proceedings, in accordance with its regulations."
Purse Bid Details and Fighter Backgrounds
The purse bid is scheduled for Monday, January 19, at the WBO headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The organization has established a minimum bid requirement of $300,000. Specific details about the fight date, venue, and broadcast arrangements will be determined later. These decisions will follow the completion of the bidding process.
The original order to negotiate was first issued on December 22. Both fighters received twenty days to reach an agreement. Sheeraz entered these talks as a highly ranked contender across multiple sanctioning bodies. He holds the number two position with the WBC, ranks number four with the WBA, and sits at number five with the IBF. Pacheco also maintains strong rankings across organizations. He holds the number six spot with the WBC, ranks number nine with the WBA, and occupies the number eight position with the IBF.
Sheeraz, who is promoted by Queensberry Promotions, has enjoyed a strong recent run. He recently fought Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title. Following that bout, he delivered a major performance by knocking out Edgar Berlanga in a non-title super middleweight contest. Pacheco, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, remained undefeated throughout last year. He extended his perfect professional record to twenty-five wins with three unanimous decision victories.
Division Seeks Direction Amidst Vacancies
The bigger picture reveals a division still searching for clear direction. Canelo Alvarez remains sidelined following elbow surgery. His possible return is currently targeted for September. Terence Crawford's retirement announcement created additional uncertainty. The WBC stripping him of recognition for nonpayment of fees only added to the growing chaos. At present, WBA champion Jose Resendiz stands as the only confirmed titleholder at 168 pounds.
With multiple championship belts now vacant and top names absent, the Sheeraz versus Pacheco fight could help define the division's next chapter. For now, the super middleweight weight class continues waiting for order to emerge from ongoing uncertainty. The upcoming purse bid represents a critical step toward establishing new leadership in this turbulent boxing landscape.
