Janibek Alimkhanuly Makes Weight For Title Clash With Andrei Mikhailovich
It’s official: unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (15-0, 10KOs) will put his IBF title on the line against the undefeated Andrei Mikhailovich (21-0, 13KOs) on Friday night after both men successfully made weight earlier today.
The pair will clash in a 12-round bout, which will take place inside The Star in Sydney, Australia.
The pair’s initial meeting, set to take place in July in Las Vegas, USA, was called off just before the weigh-in after Alimkhanuly was hospitalized during his weight cut.
Mikhailovich was less than impressed at what he felt was a lack of professionalism from Alimkhanuly and his team following the cancelling of July’s bout, leading to some heated words during the buildup to tomorrow’s contest.
Mikhailovich may be an unknown quantity outside of the Oceania region. However, the Russian-born New Zealander has the speed , power and self-belief required to wrest the title away from Alimkhanuly. Fans should expect a show from both of these men right from the opening bell.
The four-fight card will also feature Mikhailovich’s stablemate and IBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Mea Motu taking on Australia’s Shannon O’Connell in a catchweight bout.
Motu was preparing for her clash with WBO & IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion Ellie Scotney, but an injury to Scotney has put that fight on the back burner.
O’Connell is one of Australia’s most respected female fighters, and with women known for never backing down from a scrap, this should make for an entertaining affair.
The evening’s two other bouts will see Charlie Kazzi taking on Lui Magaiva and Ahmed Reda facing off against Joe Kara.
Fans can follow the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports in Australia, Sky Sports PPV in New Zealand and the U.S. on ESPN+.
