Janibek Alimkhanuly Looking to Claim Andrade’s Coveted Mandatory Slot at 168
On January 28, WBO middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (31-0, 19ko) turned social media upside down after vacating the title and moving up to super middleweight to challenge for the right to face undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Mandatory challenger Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (11-0, 7ko) is not amused by this decision and went on the attack.
Boo Boo is obviously on the hunt for a fight with Alvarez. This explains the move to challenge Zach Parker for the WBO interim title. Although this move is understandable, Qazaq Style feels slighted considering the WBO ordered him and Andrade to fight back in November 2021.
A QUICK LOOK BACK ON HOW WE GOT HERE
After both teams failed to reach an agreement, the fight went to a purse bid. The original purse bid was scheduled for January 15, before it was moved to January 28 due to COVID-19.
“The Current COVID-19 situation in Puerto Rico has forced the purse bid for 160lb champion Demetrius Andrade’s mandatory defense against Janibek Alimkhanuly to be rescheduled once again. It will now be held Friday, January 28th at 11:00 am at the WBO main office in San Juan.”
World Boxing Organization
On January 26, rumors were spreading that Andrade was contemplating vacating the title for the opportunity to become Canelo’s mandatory. Alimkhanuly took to social media upon hearing the news to attack Andrade.
“I told you I’m the middleweight king. Where are you champions?”
Janibek Alimkhanuly
He would later specifically callout Andrade for allegedly ducking him.
Moreover, he posted a message hinting at chasing Andrade into the super middleweight division.
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By: Garrisson Bland
