Alimkhanuly May Face Canelo Alvarez After Dehydration Scare
Unified junior middleweight champion “Qazaq Style” Janibek Alimkhanuly (15-0, 10KO) has withdrawn from the upcoming title defense with Andrei Mikhailovich (21-0, 13KO). Alimkhanuly could move up and become a possible candid to fight undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (61-2-2 39KO)
The boxing news cycle has reported that Alimkhanuly passed out while trying to cut weight. In addition, he was rushed to the hospital and treated for severe dehydration.
The belief within the boxing community has been that if victorious, Alimkhanuly could fight WBC champion Carlos Adames next. The two fighters exchanged words in the past regarding a possible fight. Yet, their fight may not happen even after the postponement as Alimkhanuly may have to exit the division.
A POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY
Fighters passing out from dehydration is a clear indication that they can’t make the weight. At the very minimum, it means trying to make the weight is extremely difficult. This could open the door for an opportunity the Kazakhstani has wanted.
By being the WBO champion, he could move up in weight and become the mandatory challenger to Canelo. In 2023, Alimkhanuly was eyeing a showdown with the super middleweight kingpin as the boogeyman tag kept him landing a big fight in the middleweight division.
Team Canelo has been scrambling to find an acceptable opponent for his traditional fight in September. Several names have been tossed around from Chris Eubank Jr to Edgar Berlanga, as Canelo attempts to avoid two-time WBC champion David Benavidez continues.
So, why not add Alimkhanuly’s name to the list. In this author’s opinion he is more credible than any of the other fighters not named Benavidez?
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