On Wednesday afternoon, No Limit Boxing and Top Rank announced in separate press releases that on October 4, undefeated super middleweight contender Andrei Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) will face Janibek Alimkhanuly (15-0, 10 KOs) for his IBF title. What was not mentioned in either release was Alimkhanuly’s WBO title. FightsATW reached out to the President of the WBO, Paco Valcarcel, for confirmation on Alimkhanuly’s status as WBO middleweight champion. The WBO president said, “He’s the champion [WBO] and will defend both of his titles.”
Although this may seem like a no-brainer to fight fans, it was only two months ago that Alimkhanuly was scheduled to face Mikhailovich before being rushed to the hospital the day before the weigh-in due to a medical issue. In July, on the eve of the weigh-in, Top Rank sent the following press release:
“Janibek was cutting the final pounds last night when he fainted,” said Egis Klimas, Janibek’s manager. “We immediately took him to Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he was put on an IV. While the scans showed no kidney damage, he was severely dehydrated and in no condition to fight.”
Days later, Jake Donovan for The Ring reported that the WBO had given Alimkhanuly and his team 10 days to give “a detailed explanation of his condition.” Although nothing was ever released to the public by the WBO on their decision regarding Alimkhanuly’s status as a WBO champion, the response by the sanctioning bodies’ President means that they were satisfied with whatever documents that were presented to them by Alimkhanuly and his team.
Meanwhile, Mikhailovich decided not to take a last-minute opponent as he was likely told the fight would be rescheduled soon after. Instead of Las Vegas, this time, the fight will be held at The Star in Sydney, Australia. With the uncertainty of the titles now cleared up for the public, all eyes will be on this fight, which streams live on ESPN+.
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