Janibek Alimkhanuly, conqueror of former AGON world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri, is fulfilling a dream: on April 5, the double middleweight champion will defend his titles in his home country.
On April 5, Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 knockouts) will defend his WBO/IBF middleweight title against Anauel Ngamissengue in Astana, Kazakhstan. The announcement was made by Nomad Promotions, who will host their first event, and Alimkhanuly’s promoter Top Rank, as reported by boxing journalist Dan Rafael on his portal.
“Janibek is an outstanding talent and the best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank boss Bob Arum. “He has tremendous support in Kazakhstan. So we are delighted that he will have the opportunity to defend his world titles in front of the fans in his home country.” Janibek’s (or Zhanibek) “home match” will take place in the Barys Arena in Astana (Kazakhstan) – a multi-purpose hall with a capacity of around 12,000.
“‘Kazakh Style’ is finally coming home”
Alimkhanuly was already awarded the WBO title in 2022 when he was upgraded from interim to full title holder. The professional, who lives in Oxnard, California (USA), unified the WBO and IBF belts a year later when he defeated IBF champion Vincenzo Gualtieri from the Berlin AGON stable early. Now Janibek will make his fifth title defense and fight in his home country for the first time ever since his first two professional fights in 2016 and 2017.
“‘Kazakh Style’ is finally coming home,” said Alimkhanuly. “April 5 will be a night to remember when I defend my world title against a top opponent. Many fighters have turned down this opportunity. That’s why I give Anauel credit for accepting the challenge. My goal is to become the undisputed champion and Anauel is standing in my way.”
Anauel Ngamissengue as a party crasher?
Not only Janibek alias “Kazakh Style” is confident of victory, but also his promoter. “Anauel is a tough opponent, but Janibek is in a class of his own,” emphasized Arum. Nevertheless, Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 knockouts) will be looking for his chance against the 31-year-old double world champion. “This is the most important moment in my career,” said the undefeated Frenchman. “I know I’m stepping into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this.” After all, he is coming to Kazakhstan “to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top”.
Text: Frank Schwantes