Janibek Alimkhanuly Continues to be Overlooked and Avoided
There’s a strong argument that Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) is currently the best fighter at 160. However, that reality may be insignificant in the grand scheme of things for the reigning unified middleweight champion of the world. That’s because he’s becoming someone who can’t grab the attention of the masses and get the big-money matchups. Qazaq Style is turning into boxing’s latest version of Mr. Irrelevant.
NOT ALWAYS A MERITOCRACY
If things were based on sheer talent, Alimkhanuly would be a hit. The 31-year-old is gifted with boxing skills, punching power, and a mean streak. He also has an aggressive and exciting style. That was evident in his most recent outing – a ninth-round stoppage over Andrei Mikhailovich in October 2024.
Outside the ring, the unified champion is brash and a trash-talker. Alimkhanuly has not been shy about calling out anyone at 160 and 168. With those attributes, you would think that would equal a main event attraction.
WHAT’S MISSING?
That’s not the case. The reasons for this are multiple. First and foremost it has to do with the division that he campaigns in. Historically, middleweight is one of boxing’s glamour divisions. Unfortunately, in 2025, it’s one of the worst weight classes in the sport. With the exit of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Jermall Charlo to 168, and Gennady Golovkin all but retired, there is no high-profile figure currently at 160.
Secondly, there aren’t many fighters chomping to fight him. Yes, Alimkhanuly would love to fight Carlos Adames, the WBC champion at 160. However, that potential unification clash is not a big-money, pay-per-view fight.
With the state of the middleweight division being dry as desert dirt, some in the boxing community have suggested that he move up to super middleweight. 168 is currently ruled by Alvarez, who is the reigning super middleweight belt holder. Alimkhanuly would jump at the chance to battle the Mexican superstar.
Unfortunately, Canelo is choosy with who he faces. If Alvarez doesn’t deem you worthy, he’s not fighting you. Alvarez refused to fight David Benavidez, someone the boxing public wanted to see him fight for several years. If Alvarez avoided Benavidez, it’s unlikely he will ever entertain fighting Alimkhanuly.
The reality is that despite his ability, Alimkhanuly is not a ticket seller. Additionally, he’s a dangerous threat to the elite at both middleweight and super middleweight. His promoter, Top Rank, can only do so much to broaden his profile. But if the general public doesn’t gravitate towards you, his popularity will remain stagnant.
Demetrius Andrade is a two-division champion. For a decade he chased high-profile matchups at 154, 160, and 168. His prime years were wasted and he never became a mainstream attraction. The way Alimkhanuly’s career is going, he’s headed to a similar fate.
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