WBO Orders Sheeraz vs. Pacheco for Vacant Title

The World Boxing Organization has ordered British contender Hamzah Sheeraz to face American Diego Pacheco for its vacant super middleweight title, a matchup prompted by Terence Crawford's recent retirement from the sport.

Crawford, who retired last week at age 37 with an undefeated professional record of 42-0, vacated his belts across multiple divisions. The American star achieved a career highlight in September by defeating Saul "Canelo" Alvarez to claim the undisputed super middleweight championship, becoming the first fighter in the modern era to hold all four major titles in three weight classes. In announcing his departure, Crawford stated he had "nothing else left to prove." The WBO had already stripped him of its super middleweight belt prior to his retirement due to unpaid sanctioning fees.

The WBO issued its directive on December 22 in a letter dated December 20 to the fighters' promoters: Queensberry Promotions for the 26-year-old Sheeraz and Matchroom Boxing for the 24-year-old Pacheco. The organizations have 20 days to negotiate terms for the bout. If no agreement is reached, the fight will proceed to purse bids, with a minimum offer of $300,000. Sheeraz holds a...