Belts Up for Grabs: Sheeraz-Pacheco Emerges as WBO Super Middleweight Blockbuster
After Terence Crawford’s retirement at 38, the super middleweight titles are vacant. The WBO has ordered a clash between Hamzah Sheeraz and Diego Pacheco to fill the void. Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have 20 days to deal. This marks a new era of fresh contenders in the 168-pound class.
And at last, the belts are free.
Months after Terence "Bud" Crawford claimed all four major world titles in the super middleweight division, the Omaha, Nebraska native has elected to call it a career and end his boxing journey at 38 years young. In the aftermath of his departure, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) have begun to seek out contenders ready to fight for the chance to become a champion. Leading the way, the WBO has offered Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) and Diego Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs) the opportunity to fight for all of the marbles in a potential blockbuster showdown.
Sheeraz's promoter, Frank Warren, and Pacheco's promoter, Eddie Hearn, have 20 days to reach a deal, or a purse bid may be ordered, according to the organization.
Sheeraz and Pacheco both enter the potential title clash with a lot to gain, but also a lot to lose. Pacheco rose to prominence under the tutelage of his previous trainer, Jose Benavidez. Picking up 17 wins by stoppage in his first 20 fights, he quickly became the leader of the next generation at 168 pounds. However, recent performances against the likes of Trevor McCumby, Steven Nelson, and Kevin Lele Sadjo have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.
In the opposing corner, Sheeraz heads into the potential showdown having experienced a similar level of push and promotion, but as a middleweight. Performances against Austin "Ammo" Williams, Liam Williams, and Tyler Denny, amongst others, led some to believe that he was next in line for one of the four belts at 160 pounds. However, a lackluster performance against Carlos Adames left him without a world title and unable to make the weight again. Since then, he's moved up to the super middleweight division and stopped Edgar Berlanga within five rounds at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. Now, he'll look to walk away with his first world title at 168 pounds.
Sheeraz-Pacheco is one of many exciting matchups on the horizon in the super middleweight division. With four vacant titles and a diverse collection for veterans and young contenders, there are at least a dozen matchups worthy of a main event in a city near you.
