Janibek Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank Reach Deal for Vacant WBO Super Middleweight Title

Janibek Alimkhanuly and undefeated Jacob Bank have reached an agreement to fight for the vacant WBO super middleweight championship, eliminating the need for a purse bid. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed that the sides reached a deal, although a date and location for the championship fight have not yet been announced.

The title became vacant after Hamzah Sheeraz relinquished the belt rather than move forward with his mandatory defense against Alimkhanuly. The WBO then ordered Alimkhanuly, a former unified middleweight champion, to face Bank, the next available highly ranked contender. Bank enters the matchup unbeaten at 20-0, while Alimkhanuly carries a 17-0 professional record into his move toward another world championship opportunity.

While the matchup does not carry the same mainstream attention as some of boxing’s biggest proposed superfights, this is meaningful championship news rather than speculation. With an agreement now reached, the next major announcement should be the date, venue and broadcast details for a fight that will crown a new WBO champion at 168 pounds.