Hamzah Sheeraz left to seek new opponent after highly rated American pulls plug on title fight

Hamzah Sheeraz must seek a new opponent for the the WBO super-middleweight title after Diego Pacheco withdrew from a possible contest.

The pair, currently ranked second and third with the governing body, were previously ordered to face off for the currently vacant crown.

Failed discussions over a deal had led to purse bids, but now it seems Pacheco has opted to withdraw from a shot at the title with the Briton.

It means that Sheeraz, who broke into the division with a fifth-round victory over Edgar Berlanga last July, will need to find a new opponent.

With the WBO's top-ranked contender Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez still recovering from elbow surgery, the star will need to look down the rankings.

Fourth-placed Jacob Bank will fight former IBF champion William Scull this weekend, while fifth-placed Alem Begic could also contend too.

The super-middleweight division is currently in upheaval following undisputed champion Terence Crawford's decision to retire late last year.

WBA interim champion Armando Reséndiz was elevated at the start of January, while Christian M'billi was awarded the WBC belt this week.

The latter had been ordered to face Sheeraz, but the latter's refusal to take the bout meant the Cameroon-born star was elevated unopposed.

Pacheco exit adds further twist to Sheeraz story

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

The wait must go on for Hamzah Sheeraz then. The Briton's hopes of a bout with the highly rated Diego Pacheco appear have been iced.

It will be frustrating for the Briton, unbeaten across his professional career, and almost a year on from the lone blemish on his record to date.

His WBC middleweight title draw with Carlos Adames checked momentum, but a step-up to super-middleweight paid dividends in the summer.

Half-a-year after he dismantled Edgar Berlanga however, and Sheeraz is still no closer to discovering his next steps in the ring as he eyes gold.

If he elects to stay the course with the WBC, then a title bout surely comes in the near-future. But for now, he must bide his time and options.

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