Janibek Alimkhanuly returns to the ring on May 21st and is taking on Danny Dignum for the interim WBO Middleweight title. The holder of that title, Jermall Charlo, is the next fighter in his sights and Alimkhanuly is hitting his stride at only 11-0.
Alimkhanuly only seven knockouts to his name in his eleven wins total. He went to decision a couple times early in his career but since August of 2019, everyone who has stepped up to Janibek Alimkhanuly has fallen. He is powerful but his boxing is crisp. Alimkhanuly is the real deal. He believes that his fights have been easy only because of the hard work he put out in the gym. And it is that hard work that he believes will see him become a world champion.
“In the last two fights, I beat the ex-world champions. These fights were easy. Not only these, all my fights will be very easy, because I know how hard I work in the gym. Victory just doesn’t come. You must deserve to win. I think in the last two fights I proved to the world that they will have a new champion!”
The narrative around Alimkhanuly has been that he’s the tough fight. This has led to many saying that fighters are ducking him. Rightly so, as Alimkhanuly has been campaigning for a shot at the title for a few years now. Being a mandatory, Alimkhanuly was often passes over for a potential fight with Demetrius Andrade. Janibek Alimkhanuly doesn’t mind, especially since he’s getting that title shot. He knows how good he is and plans on continuing to put in the hard work that has got him to this point.
“All boxers know and understand what level they are at. If someone refused to fight me, then they know that they will lose. I’m at my peak right now, no one can beat me.”
As for Andrade, who recently left the division for perceived greener pastures at 168, Alimkhanuly is not disappointed. He believes it doesn’t matter what weight they fight at, he says he will come out on top.
“I don’t care!” says Alimkhanuly. “I can beat him in any weight division.”
Janibek Alimkhanuly and on the of his career
At only 11-0 Janibek Alimkhanuly is just getting started in his career. He’s already at such a high level and that promises good things going forward. Alimkhanuly only wants to fight the best and his next fight is, of course, to unify with current WBO Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo. While the current middleweight king is Gennady Golovkin, a fellow Karakhanyan, Alimkhanuly is keen to respect those that came before people him however.
“After this fight, I want to fight Charlo. I want all titles. About Golovkin I have already said, he is my older brother. In our tradition a younger brother can not challenge to a fight older brother. I hope Golovkin changes weight class.”
At only 29, some would think that a title fight at a young age would be nerve wracking. But for Alimkhanuly, there is no real pressure. In fact, the Kazak believes that he was born for this sport and born to be on top.
“There is no pressure. I’m calm, I’m getting ready. Soon I will be a professional boxing superstar. I’ve been ready for this for a long time. Soon I will have a lot of fans. Nearby there will be many camera interview with journalists. I’m already ready for it. This is my life. I’ll take it easy on all of this.”
While he believes this fight will be easy, Alimkhanuly is still respectful fo Danny Dignum, who is undefeated himself. Alimkhanuly promises big fireworks on the night and he sends a chilling message to the team of Dignum.
“I respect him, but this fight will also be an easy fight in my career, Inshalla. This fight won’t be 12 rounds. I will knock him out. I want to warn his team: be ready to throw the towel!”
Lastly, Janibek Alimkhanuly promises a brighter future ahead for the middleweight division. He doesn’t plan on being the champion that ducks for money or any other reason. He wants to fight the best. “The world now needs a new champion who is not afraid of anyone and that’s me.”
Janibek will set out to deliver that new World Champion on May 21st against Danny Dignum. You can catch the fight on ESPN+ with Top Rank Boxing. Don’t miss the birth of a new champion!
