Janibek Alimkhanuly Is Full of Confidence Ahead of Interim Title Fight
WBO middleweight mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly (11-0, 6 KOs) is one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a world champion. On January 28, the sanctioning body ordered a match between him and WBC third-ranked middleweight Esquiva Falcao (29-0, 20 KOs) for the WBO Interim 160-pound title.
“QAZAK STYLE” NOT HAPPY
Alimkhanuly’s shot at the Interim title is a direct byproduct of Andrade’s decision to vacate the WBO middleweight belt and move up to super middleweight. Visibly upset and with a strong desire to still fight the two-division world champ, it would be wise for “Qazak Style” to subdue his anger. That fight is not happening anytime soon.
Andrade’s move is an effort to put him in position for a possible fight with undisputed super middleweight champion “Canelo” Alvarez. Who could blame him for pursuing that fight? From an economic and legacy perspective, most would do the same if they were in his position.
MOVE YOUR FOCUS
Given that reality, Alimkhanuly has the chance to now make an imprint in the middleweight division. It starts with his upcoming fight against Falcao. There’s no lack of confidence in his assessment of the fighter from Brazil.
Falcao is undefeated and a 2012 Olympic silver medalist. As a pro, his best win was a stoppage over former two-time world title challenge Artur Akavov. Interestingly, the Brazilian is ranked number one by the IBF at middleweight. He earned that position by defeating Patrice Volney in an IBF middleweight title eliminator in November of 2021. To fight Alimkhanuly, Falcao would risk losing his ranking with the IBF.
Alimkhanuly v Falcao would be an all-southpaw matchup of former Olympians. Falcao won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics while Alikhanuly reached the quarterfinals of the 2016 Olympics. Both are skilled and technically sound. Alimkhanuly is taller and more powerful, while Falcao throws more punches. On paper, this is a solid fight.
Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for further updates on when and where this bout will take place.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
