Unified Middleweight World Champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) is set to make history on April 5 at Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan, as he defends his WBO and IBF titles against the unbeaten Congolese challenger Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs). This historic homecoming fight, promoted by Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank and streaming live on ESPN+, marks the first time a Kazakh unified champion has defended his world titles on home soil.
A 2016 Olympian Janibek has rapidly climbed the middleweight ranks by demolishing former champions like Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam, and unifying the belts with a six-round victory over Vincenzo Gualtieri in October 2023. His latest wiin, a ninth-round TKO over Andrei Mikhailovich, set the stage for this monumental return. Janibek proudly declared,
“‘Qazaq Style’ is finally coming home. April 5 will be a memorable night as I defend my WBO and IBF world titles against a top opponent. Many fighters turned down this opportunity, so I credit Anauel for accepting the challenge.”
Watch Alimkhanuly vs. Mikhailovich highlights: Watch
Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum echoed these sentiments, calling Janibek “the very best middleweight in the world” and praising the overwhelming support he has in Kazakhstan.
Challenger Anauel Ngamissengue is eager to seize his moment on the world stage. After representing his native country at the 2016 Olympics and building an impressive record in France since turning pro in 2019, Ngamissengue has steadily climbed the IBF rankings to secure the No. 7 spot.
“Thank you for this long-awaited opportunity. After almost a year of fighting for a chance, this is the most important moment of my career,” he said, vowing to “crash the party” in Kazakhstan and prove that he belongs among the elite.
Fight card:
▪️Zhanibek Alimkhanuly vs. Anauel Ngamissengue, 12 rounds, for the IBF and WBO World Middleweight titles
▪️Sultan Zaurbek vs. Azinga Fuzile, 10 rounds, super featherweight
▪️Batyrzhan Jukembayev vs. Kane Gardner, 10 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Otabek Kholmatov vs. Jason Canoy Manigos, 8 rounds, featherweight
▪️Balaussa Muzdiman vs. Maria Theresa Pinili, 8 x 2 rounds, bantamweight
