Janibek Alimkhanuly made a loud statement in the ring and in front of the cameras last weekend, knocking out unbeaten Anuael Ngamissengue in five rounds at Astana’s Barys Arena. Fresh off securing his second defense as the unified IBF and WBO middleweight champion, the Kazakh southpaw aimed his next challenge at boxing’s biggest star.
Calling himself “the king of middleweight,” Alimkhanuly publicly challenged Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, urging him to meet in a showdown between “two kings.” The 32-year-old Alimkhanuly remains committed to pursuing undisputed status at 160 pounds, hoping to unify with WBC titlist Carlos Adames and WBA holder Erislandy Lara. However, he has also opened the door to moving up in weight - whether for Canelo, who currently reigns at super middleweight, or even David Benavidez.
The boogeyman at 160 pounds: Watch
Alvarez faces William Scull in May with plans to regain the IBF super middleweight belt and is unlikely to consider a fight with Alimkhanuly anytime soon. Still, the Kazakh star appears determined to chase big names if he can’t consolidate every middleweight title.
Prepare for the upcoming Canelo vs. Scull event.
Image Credit: ESPN