Janibek Alimkhanuly Set for Historic Homecoming Title Defense in April

Unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly is set to make history as he defends his IBF and WBO world titles in front of his home fans in Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 5. This will be the first time in over seven years that Alimkhanuly has fought in his home country, making this event a landmark moment for Kazakh boxing.

The highly anticipated bout will see Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) take on Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs), an undefeated French contender, in a fight that could shape the future of the middleweight division.

Alimkhanuly’s Road to the Top

Since turning professional, Alimkhanuly has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. Known for his powerful southpaw stance, knockout ability, and technical precision, he has remained undefeated while taking on tough opponents.

His most recent victory came in October 2023, when he successfully defended his IBF and WBO titles with a dominant ninth-round stoppage over Andrei Mikhailovich. Prior to that, he delivered a statement performance by knocking out Vincenzo Gualtieri in the sixth round, capturing the IBF title to unify the division.

Despite facing some weight-cutting struggles in previous fights, Alimkhanuly has consistently proven his ability to overcome challenges and perform at the highest level. Now, with the opportunity to defend his belts in front of his home crowd, he will be eager to deliver another standout performance.

Ngamissengue: The Underdog Looking to Shock the World

Originally, British fighter Shakiel Thompson was rumored to be Alimkhanuly’s next opponent. However, it has now been confirmed that Ngamissengue, ranked seventh by the IBF, will be stepping up to the challenge.

While he may not yet be a household name, Ngamissengue remains undefeated and has shown raw power and durability throughout his career. This fight represents the biggest opportunity of his career, as it will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the U.S., giving him a global platform to prove himself.

Fighting an established champion like Alimkhanuly on foreign soil will be no easy task, but Ngamissengue will be looking to make a name for himself with a potential upset. His aggressive style and resilience could pose an interesting challenge for the Kazakh champion.

A Historic Night for Kazakh Boxing

The event, promoted by Nomad Promotions, marks a significant moment in Kazakh boxing history. Alimkhanuly will become the first Kazakh fighter to defend two world titles on home soil, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s greatest boxing talents.

With thousands of fans expected to pack the Barys Arena in Astana, the atmosphere will be electric. Alimkhanuly has expressed his excitement about fighting in Kazakhstan again, emphasizing his desire to deliver a memorable performance for his supporters.

What’s at Stake?

For Alimkhanuly, this fight is about more than just another title defense. A dominant victory could open the door for bigger fights in the middleweight division, potentially setting up a clash against other top contenders or even a move up in weight.

For Ngamissengue, this is the ultimate opportunity to make a name for himself. If he can pull off an upset, he would instantly establish himself as a major force in the division and set up future championship opportunities.

Will Alimkhanuly Continue His Dominance?

As fight night approaches, boxing fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Alimkhanuly can continue his reign or if Ngamissengue can shock the world.

Will the Kazakh champion deliver another knockout performance in front of his home crowd? Or will Ngamissengue rise to the occasion and score the biggest win of his career?

Mark your calendars for April 5 – this is a fight you don’t want to miss!