Boxing
Reality Check for Hamzah Sheeraz: Why Turki is Overpriced
Hamzah Sheeraz has become the first solid example of what happens when a fighter paid far beyond his traditional market value is eventually forced back into boxing’s normal pay structure.
The Briton has voluntarily relinquished his coveted WBO super middleweight title rather than face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly after Queensberry Promotions won the purse bid with an offer of $1,001,809.
Under the WBO’s 75-25 split, Sheeraz would have received $751,356.75. That figure is considerably below the money he has become accustomed to earning since his association with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
Sheeraz has earned seven-figure purses while appearing on Riyadh Season events. His payday for defeating Edgar Berlanga was widely reported to have been around $5 million, many times greater than the $751,356.75 now available to face Janibek.
Now the old boxing market has delivered its verdict after Sheeraz walked away from his stipulated test.
Promoter Warren was clear about the purse available to his fighter after Queensberry secured home advantage for the proposed Janibek fight.
“It’s 75/25, he gets $750K! Why wouldn’t he have this fight? That’s the market value, we’ve secured him home advantage, so get on with the fight,” Warren told IFL TV before Sheeraz relinquished the belt.
The Turki Effect
Alalshikh’s enormous investment in boxing has created purses that traditional promoters would struggle to match for the same fights.
Sheeraz may now be the clearest example of the consequences when that money is no longer available.
There is nothing wrong with a fighter taking the biggest purse available. Few would turn down millions of dollars when somebody is willing to pay it.
The problem comes when that money disappears.
Sheeraz has gone from earning a far bigger purse against Berlanga to being offered three-quarters of a million dollars for one of the most dangerous opponents of his career.
Former WBN Lead Writer Dan Rafael summed up the difference when responding to the suggestion that Sheeraz was being asked to take short money.
“It’s not short money. It’s the actual market assessing his value.”
That is the curse of becoming a Turki ambassador. Once a fighter has operated inside a financial system capable of paying considerably more than the traditional market, returning to conventional boxing economics becomes considerably more difficult.
The Canelo Payday
There could also be a considerable sporting cost to Sheeraz’s decision. The Briton has made no secret of his desire to face Canelo Alvarez, who challenges WBC champion Christian Mbilli on October 31 as the Mexican attempts to regain one of his former super middleweight titles.
Sheeraz holding the WBO title could have given him something Canelo may want if the Mexican defeats Mbilli and decides to rebuild his former undisputed collection. Walking away from the belt removes that potential bargaining chip at precisely the wrong time.
The 27-year-old may therefore have rejected $750,000 against Janibek while simultaneously weakening his position in the pursuit of the considerably greater payday he really wants.
Sheeraz Could Join Zuffa
The situation becomes even more interesting because Sheeraz is approaching the end of his long relationship with Warren.
Sheeraz confirmed last month that he has only one fight remaining on his Queensberry contract and intends to examine his options before deciding where his career continues.
Unless an extension is signed, the ex-WBO ruler could therefore enter free agency after his next appearance.
Zuffa Boxing would immediately become one of the obvious destinations. Sheeraz has already confirmed that joining the promotion is an option he intends to explore when he becomes available.
The financial expectations built during Sheeraz’s rise as one of Alalshikh’s chosen fighters have now collided with Warren’s assessment of what the traditional market will pay.
Sheeraz chose not to accept it.
His next contract may tell boxing whether the traditional market can afford to get him back.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.
Netflix releases TYSON FURY on November 27, tracing the heavyweight’s rise through boxing and examining his personal struggles before he faces Anthony Joshua on December 11.
Lucy Wilcox directs the feature-length documentary. Fury, his wife Paris and father John give interviews alongside previously unseen footage from his life and career.
Tyson Fury’s Career and Family Life
The film follows Fury from childhood into the heavyweight ranks, revisiting the victories and setbacks that shaped his career. His family contributes its accounts of the experiences behind those performances.
Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects covered. The documentary also examines Fury’s views on masculinity, his family relationships and the support he has relied on throughout his career.
Paris and John bring their perspectives to a film that explores the personal pressures accompanying Fury’s success in the ring.
Fury vs Joshua: December 11 Date and Netflix Broadcast
Fury and Joshua step into opposite corners on Friday, December 11, 2026, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Netflix will broadcast their first professional meeting globally to all members at no additional cost.
The remaining bouts have yet to be announced.
At their September 30 press conference, Fury spoke about the years spent waiting to get Joshua into the ring.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s been 10 years in the making,” Fury said.
“The rise has been phenomenal from both fighters. We’ve both had our ups and downs. Finally, we arrive at this moment.”
Fury also praised his British rival: “He’s been a role model and a poster boy for British boxing for years.”
Joshua welcomed the occasion and said their exchanges would drive him through extra rounds in the gym.
“I feel fresh. I feel very excited about this opportunity to work again,” Joshua said.
Paris and John Fury join Tyson in TYSON FURYthe documentary released on Netflix today that examines the family relationships behind his heavyweight career.
Their interviews sit alongside Fury’s own account and previously unseen archive footage. Directed by Lucy Wilcox, the feature-length film follows his life from childhood through the victories and setbacks of his boxing career.
The family’s experiences form a central part of the story.
Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects explored. The documentary also examines masculinity and the personal pressures that have accompanied Fury’s success in the ring.
Paris and John contribute their perspectives on a life supporters have largely followed through bouts and public appearances. Their involvement brings those closest to Fury into an account that considers both the support he has received and the difficulties that remain outside boxing.
The release comes before another major date in his career: December 11when Fury faces Anthony Joshua at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
At their September 30 press conference, Fury described the personal significance of finally meeting his British rival.
“When I fight AJ, that’ll be the most important fight in my life,” Fury said.
Joshua spoke about how far the rivalry had reached beyond boxing gyms.
“I know in pubs, people have had proper fights about who’s going to win out of me and Tyson. I know family members fell out with each other about who’s going to win.”
Netflix will stream Fury vs Joshua globally to all members at no additional cost. It will be their first professional meeting, with the remaining bouts still to be announced.
Joshua also looked towards the younger fighters who would watch them share the ring.
“We’re going to inspire the next generation.”
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