Janibek Alimkhanuly Targets Jermall Charlo and Canelo Alvarez Next
Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (14-0, 9 KOs) successfully defended the WBO middleweight title for the second time with a two-round destruction of Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California. Now Alimkhanuly is hungry to fight the best boxers in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions.
PUTTING FIGHTERS ON ALERT
In his previous outing, Alimkhanuly admitted he was unsatisfied after a decision win over Denzel Bentley in November 2022. Determined to make a statement against Butler in front of a live ESPN audience, it was mission accomplished for Qazaq Style. Following such an emphatic performance against Butler, a pumped-up Alimkhnuly laid down the gauntlet during the post-fight interview:
“Champions and the boxing superstars, where are you? I am waiting; let’s fight. I am the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go, fight. Top Rank, who is next?”
“Canelo (Alvarez) and (Jermall) Charlo, I am coming! . . . I am ready for anybody, anytime, anywhere.”
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
Previously, Alimkhanuly has called for a fight with Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs), the current WBC middleweight champion. In the week leading up to his match with Butler, Qazaq style claimed that a bout against undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) would be easy work.
Many insiders feel that Alimkhanuly is the most avoided fighter at 160. With plenty of natural ability, a high skill set, and power in both hands, the 30-year-old from Kazakhstan looks like he’s the real deal.
But here’s the problem. The WBO champion is a fighter who has yet to show himself as a box-office draw, someone with star power and that “it” factor that can put butts in seats. As a result, it will be more difficult for him to entice fighters like Charlo and Alvarez. Alimkhanuly is a high-risk fight with low reward. Charlo and Alvarez can afford to ignore Qazaq Style at this point and time.
Top Rank guides the career of the WBO champion. The promotional company envisions him being a force for years to come. It’s their responsibility to put in the work behind the scenes to raise his profile. Alimkhanuly has to continue to put on impressive performances like he did against Butler.
Qazaq Style feels he’s the best and wants to reign supreme at 160 and 168. Will he land the big names and marquee fights to show that he’s good as he says he is?
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