Hamzah Sheeraz to face rising American star in vacant world title fight

It appears Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz will face unbeaten American Diego Pacheco for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. 

Following Terence Crawford's decision to retire at the end of last year, all the belts which he held as undisputed champion were vacated, and Sheeraz found himself in the fortunate position of being able to challenge for a number of world titles. 

If he decided to pursue the WBC belt, then Sheeraz would be going up against the hard-hitting Christian Mbilli, while the WBO title presented an opportunity to face the highly touted American Diego Pacheco. 

A recent report by Boxing Scene has now indicated that Sheeraz will indeed pursue a meeting against Pacheco with purse bids for the WBO super middleweight title fight scheduled for January 19. 

Then, whichever promoter, likely Frank Warren or Eddie Hearn, comes out on top, expect a date and venue to be confirmed soon after. 

Facing Pacheco for world title is easiest option for Sheeraz

DAZN News Sportswriter Matt Astbury

For Sheeraz, facing Pacheco is by far the easiest route to a world title. 

Taking on Mbilli would have been an entertaining affair. Both men are serious punchers, but the Frenchman poses a significant threat. 

Winning 24 of his 29 fights by knockout, there was a real chance Mbilli would derail Sheeraz's second world title challenge after failing to secure a lucrative date with the legendary Canelo Alvarez.

Pacheco on the other hand is a different proposition for Sheeraz. While he has been expertly managed during his 25-fight unbeaten spell, it still feels like a world title fight this year is just a bit early for Pacheco. 

His career got off to a thrilling start, scoring plenty of knockouts and generating many headlines, but his last three wins have failed to capture the imagination of the boxing world. 

Pacheco last fought on December 13 last year when he beat Kevin Lele Sadjo by unanimous decision. But en-route to that win, Pacheco was knocked down in round eight. 

While Pacheco rose to his feet and went on to win, Sheeraz is a much harder puncher, and when he floors his opponents, they rarely get back up to overturn the contest.

Pacheco may not be the star name that Sheeraz was hoping for when it comes to his next world title challenge, but it is by far the easiest way for him to win a major belt at super middleweight.

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