Demetrius Andrade To Next Face Fast-Rising Challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered Demetrius Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) must next defend the WBO middleweight title against mandatory challenge Janibek Alimkhanuly (11-0, 7 KOs). The sanctioning body stated that both parties have twenty days to reach an agreement, or the fight will go to a purse bid. On November 21, Alimkhanuly’s manager Egis Klimas petitioned the WBO to name Janibek their mandatory contender on November 21.
Andrade is coming off an easy second-round TKO over Jason Quigley on November 19. The WBO champ has aspirations in engaging in unification matches against IBF world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, WBC world middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, or a fight against undisputed world 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez.
But unfortunately, the 33-year-old has been unable to secure the high-profile, big-money match. Unfortunately, it looks like he has to once again settle for another mandated title defense.
RELATED: Demetrius Andrade: “Fans Need to Demand Charlo, Muguia & GGG Fight Me!”
Alimkhanuly is not well known to the masses. However, hardcore observers have had their eyes on him since the beginning of his career. A 2016 Olympian, they speak highly of his skills and talent. The 28-year-old southpaw has been moved very quickly by Klimas and his promoter, Top Rank. Despite his limited number of professional fights, his handlers feel the fighter nicknamed “Qazak Style” is ready to fight the best in the division. He is coming off a November 20 eighth-round TKO win over former WBA world 160-pound champion Hassan N’Dam.
While Alimkhanuly is with Top Rank, Andrade is promoted by Matchroom. It will be worth paying attention to who wins the purse bid for this fight. Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
