Alimkhanuly defends IBF and WBO titles with dominant knockout win over Anauel Ngamissengue – Olympic champion Jalolov also successful.
In a highly anticipated home bout at the Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan, Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 knockouts) made an impressive statement, defending his IBF and WBO middleweight world titles with a spectacular fifth-round knockout of previously unbeaten Anauel Ngamissengue (14-1, 9 knockouts) of Congo.
It was Alimkhanuly’s first appearance in his home country in over seven years, after having spent the majority of his career in the USA. His return was not only an emotional success, but also a sporting one. In round one, the powerful southpaw sent his opponent to the floor with a powerful hail of left straights. A clear sign of who was calling the shots in this duel.
Although Ngamissengue fought back on shaky legs, a premature end was already in sight. The fighter from Central Africa was unable to withstand Alimkhanuly’s pressure and precision for long. After a brief rebellion by Ngamissengue in the fifth round, the Kazakh champion struck again mercilessly: a clean left jab to the chin ended the fight – Ngamissengue slumped motionless to the floor. The referee counted him out and the crowd went wild.
Jalolov has to go the full distance for the first time
In the preliminary program, the two-time Olympic gold medalist from Uzbekistan, Bakhodir Jalolov (15-0, 14 knockouts), celebrated his comeback after an 18-month break from professional boxing. Against the tough Ukrainian Ihor Shevadzutskyi (12-3, 9 knockouts), Jalolov had to go the full ten rounds for the first time in his professional career.
Nevertheless, the giant from Tashkent dominated the action for long stretches. As early as round three, he brought Shevadzutskyi to the brink of a knockout with a heavy knockdown. But the Ukrainian showed heart and stamina and survived the remaining rounds. Nevertheless, Jalolov’s points victory with scores of 100-89, 97-92 and 97-93 never came under serious threat.