UNIFIED titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly harbours no weight-related concerns ahead of his eagerly awaited homecoming on April 5.
The WBO and IBF world middleweight champion will return to Kazakhstan for the first time in nearly eight years to face unbeaten contender Anauel Ngamissengue.
With the pair squaring off at the Barys Arena in Astana, their showdown should deliver an intriguing spectacle for an audience that has largely been starved of professional boxing in recent years.
But still, while Alimkhanuly, 16-0 (11 KOs), has proven to be a fearsome operator – in both the pro and amateur ranks – there is nonetheless speculation over his ability to make the 160lb limit.
The Olympian’s title defence against Australia’s Andrei Mikhailovich was pushed back to last October after he suffered from extreme dehydration while cutting weight.
Shortly after pulling out of his contest, Alimkhanuly then admitted that his training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, had taken its toll, with the unforgiving heat ultimately sending him to hospital.
And yet, in his rescheduled contest with Andrei Mikhailovich, the 31-year-old produced a ruthless performance on away soil to halt his opponent in the ninth round.
Based on that display, it would appear that any weight making concerns have now become a thing of the past, with many considering Alimkhanuly to be the top dog of his division.
But while ‘Qazaq Style’ has made the necessary adjustments to his training – keeping his camp in California rather than moving it to Sin City – a possible move up to 168lbs still represents a very likely option.
“Our camp was moved to Las Vegas [ahead of the Mikhailovich fight], where the weather conditions were very challenging,” Alimkhanuly told Boxing News.
“It was very hot, but nevertheless I still tried my best [to make weight]. Those kind of experiences are important for making me stronger.
“Those challenges will test you, but I can now say that I overcame those obstacles. We did a very good job in Australia, and I was happy with my performance.”
While speaking with Boxing News, Alimkhanuly added that his plan – should he beat Ngamissengue – will either be to become the undisputed king at 160lbs or a two-division champion at super-middleweight.
