WBO world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly prepares to square off against the undefeated IBF champion, Vincenzo Gualtieri at the Fort Bend Epicenter, Rosenberg, Texas, and will be aired live on ESPN and ESPN+.
Alimkhanuly, a decorated gold medalist from the 2013 World and Asian Championships, claimed the interim WBO title in 2022 with a decisive knockout against Danny Dignam. Subsequently elevated to full champion status by the WBO, he successfully defended his title against challengers Denzel Bentley and Steven Butler. While other champions like WBC's Jermall Charlo and WBA's Erislandy Lara have been largely inactive, Alimkhanuly has been consistently eyeing their titles. Expressing gratitude for the upcoming bout, Janibek shared his ambitious vision, "I will return home to Kazakhstan as a unified champion."
Watch the full fight of Janibek vs. Rob Brant: Watch
Meanwhile, Gualtieri, a formidable boxer from Germany, secured the IBF title with a victory over Esquiva Falcao in July of 2023. Drawing parallels between Janibek and Falcao, Gualtieri expressed confidence in his upcoming bout, emphasizing his superior team and indomitable champion spirit. He confidently stated, "In the end, Janibek, like Falcao, will lose." The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await this explosive confrontation between two top middleweights.
In the co-main event, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) is set to face Philadelphia's rising sensation, Nahir Albright (16-2, 7 KOs).
Keyshawn Davis, a promising contender from Norfolk, Virginia, is rapidly ascending the lightweight ladder. Sporting an impressive record, Davis signed with the esteemed Top Rank just last year. Notably, his recent conquests feature a TKO victory over Anthony Yigit. Confident in his abilities, Keyshawn asserts, "Coming to Texas, I'm prepared to school Nahir Albright. He's simply not at my level. After our bout, there won't be any doubts about the future of this division."
Conversely, Nahir Albright's journey in professional boxing had a rocky start with an initial defeat. However, Albright rebounded impressively, embarking on a consistent winning streak and securing a regional title the previous year. Fresh from an unexpected triumph over U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, Albright is geared up for the challenge. He remarks, "For me, Keyshawn is just another hurdle. I've already conquered an Olympian once; this isn't any different. My sights are set on the premier echelons of boxing."
Watch Best Combinations and Knockouts of Keyshawn Davis: Watch
Top Rank’s chief, Bob Arum, expressed his excitement, dubbing Janibek as the potential crown jewel of the middleweight category and emphasizing the importance of Davis’s matchup against Albright. He remarked, “The Fort Bend Epicenter is set for an inauguration like no other!
In the undercard, U.S. Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) is ready for his third bout of 2023, squaring off in a six-round heavyweight match against seasoned fighter Don Haynesworth (17-8-1, 15 KOs). Another spotlight features Giovanni Marquez (6-0, 4 KOs), the son of the legendary world champion Raul Marquez, defending his undefeated streak in a six-round junior welterweight fight. Additionally, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (8-0, 1 KO) is poised for his 2023 debut in an eight-round featherweight duel against the formidable Jose Perez (11-1-2, 5 KOs). Adding to the heavyweight excitement, 2016 Italian Olympian Guido Vianello (10-1-1, 9 KOs) is set to challenge Florida's Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Kelvin Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), the eldest from Norfolk's fighting Davis Brothers, is gearing up for an intense eight-round junior welterweight bout. Finally, the undefeated lightweight prospect Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will also be stepping into the ring for a six-round bout.
Main card (Begins at 10:30 pm ET):
▪️Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri, 12 rounds, WBO/IBF middleweight unification ▪️Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright, 10 rounds, lightweight
Preliminary card:
▪️Richard Torrez Jr vs. Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, 6 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Giovanni Marquez vs. Donte Strayhorn, 6 rounds, junior welterweight ▪️Duke Ragan vs. Jose Perez, 8 rounds, featherweight ▪️Guido Vianello vs. Curtis Harper, 8 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Kelvin Davis vs. Narciso Carmona, 8 rounds, junior welterweight ▪️Alan Garcia vs. Nelson Hampton, 6 rounds, lightweight ▪️Humberto Galindo vs. Oscar Bravo, 8 rounds, lightweight ▪️Jakhongir Zokirov vs. Guillermo Del Rio, 6 rounds, heavyweight
Watch the official weigh in live on YouTube: Watch
