In a homecoming bout, IBF/WBO Middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly stopped Anauel Ngamissengue in round five to retain his titles in his home country of Kazakhstan.

In round one, Alimkhanuly landed a straight left to the jaw that sent Ngamissengue. In round four, Alimkhanuly landed a big left that sent Ngamissenhue stumbling into the ropes and then he fell, and the fight was stopped.

ALimkhanuly, 159.6 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 17-0 with 12 knockouts. Ngamissengue, 159.6 lbs of The Congo is 14-1.

Sultan Zauerbek won a 10-round unanimous decision over Azinga Fuzile in a junior lightweight bout.

Zauerbek, 130 lbs of Kazakhstan is 20-0. Fuzilie, 129.5 lbs of East London, SA is 18-3.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov went the distance for the first time and pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over Ihor “Hulk” Shevadzutskii in a heavyweight bout.

Jalolov, 251.6 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores 100-89, 97-92 and 97-93 and is now 15-0. Shevadzutskyii, 297.6 lbs of Ukraine s 12-3.

In round three, Jalolov landed a big left that sent Shevadzutskyii down to the canvas.

Batyr Jukembayev won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kane Gardner in a junior welterweight bout.

Jukembayev, 141.9 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 24-1. Gardner, 140.2 lbs of England is 17-5.

Makhmud Sabyrkhan stopped Huyun Duc Dong in round two of their super bantamweight bout.

In round one, Saburkhan landed a left to the body that made Duc Dong take a step back then eventually take a knee for a knockdown. In round two, it was another left to the body that put Duc Ding again. For some reason, Duc Dong’;’ s trainer came to the apron, but the fight continued. A third body shot had Duc Ding doubling over and the fight was stopped.

Sabyrkhan, 122 lbs of Kazakhstan is 1-0 with one knockout. Duc Dong, 120.8 lbs of Vietnam is 2-2.

Balaussa Musdiman won a decision over Maria Pinili.

Md]usdiman of Kazakhstan is now 7-0. Pinili of Philippines is 7-2.

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN (Tuesday, 3rd March 2025) – The wait is over. Tickets for Janibek Alimkhanuly’s long-anticipated homecoming event are now officially on sale as Kazakhstan prepares for an unmissable night of elite boxing for ‘Battle of the Brave’ on Saturday, 5th April 2025, at the Barys Arena in Astana.

Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs), the undefeated IBF & WBO Middleweight World Champion, will defend his titles on home soil for the first time in history against unbeaten challenger Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs). This historic event, delivered by Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank, marks a seismic shift in Kazakh boxing, bringing the sport’s highest stakes to local fans like never before.

Tickets are available now via Nomad-Promotions.com, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 255,000 Tenge.

Alongside the main event, Nomad Promotions has assembled a stacked undercard featuring Kazakhstan’s rising stars against world-level opposition, ensuring a thrilling night from start to finish, for their debut event of the ‘Warrior Season’ which will be a multi-year spectacle with Kazakhstan at its heart.

In the co-main event, Sultan Zaurbek (19-0, 13 KOs) will take on former world title challenger Azinga Fuzile (18-2, 12 KOs) in a pivotal showdown. Zaurbek, one of Kazakhstan’s brightest talents, is on the verge of a world title opportunity and looks to make a statement in front of his home crowd.

Sultan Zaurbek: “I’m very excited to be fighting in Kazakhstan again for the first time in four years. Thank you Nomad Promotions and Wasserman for this opportunity. This is the biggest fight of my career, and I respect Fuzile, but I want to prove I belong at world level. April 5 in Astana is the next step on my journey to a world title, and I promise a big performance for all the Kazakh people.”

Azinga Fuzile: “This is a smash-and-grab opportunity for me. It has come at a great time in my career where there are no distractions—the only focus is becoming a world champion.”

Wasserman’s Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing, added: “The Kazakh King returns home on April 5 for what will be an emotionally charged night in front of his home fans. But expect another clinical performance from Sultan—victory against a high-level fighter like Fuzile will set him up for a shot at conquering the world. The champions at super featherweight won’t be able to avoid Sultan for much longer.”

Also set for action, Batyrzhan Jukembayev (23-1, 17 KOs) will battle Kane Gardner (17-4, 7 KOs) in a high-stakes contest, further bolstering an electrifying undercard.

This event, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, represents more than just boxing—it’s a moment of national pride. Nomad Promotions, making its debut with this spectacular event, is on a mission to bring the best of global boxing to Kazakh fans, ensuring that fighters no longer have to leave home to compete on the biggest stage.

Janibek Alimkhanuly: “Kazakh 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. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and Anauel is in my way. The fans in Kazakhstan and everyone watching worldwide will see something special.”

With a landmark world title defense, an elite undercard, and Kazakhstan’s finest fighters in action, April 5th is shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation spectacle.

Tickets are expected to sell fast. Secure your seat now via Nomad-Promotions.com and be part of history.

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN (4th February 2025) – Undefeated Unified Middleweight World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs), is set to make history in his homeland as he becomes the first Kazakh Unified World Champion to defend his titles on home soil. This monumental night of boxing will take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in the heart of Astana, Kazakhstan. The event will be staged by Nomad Promotions, a brand-new promotions company making an unprecedented debut with this landmark occasion.

Billed as “Homecoming,” the event represents a defining moment for Kazakhstan, blending the country’s rich boxing heritage with the rise of a global star. Fans and fighters of Kazakhstan have been deprived of seeing their World Champions in the flesh. Stars such as Gennady Golovkin, and in his career to date Janibek Alimkhalnuly, have won and defended their titles predominantly  in the US. This marquee event, created by Nomad Promotions, signifies a changing in the tide as fans across the region and around the world will now witness a champion’s return as Alimkhanuly defends his IBF and WBO Middleweight World Titles against the  formidable Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs). 

Defending World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly, said: “Kazakh 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. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and Anauel in my way. The fans in Kazakhstan and everyone watching worldwide will see something special.”

Kazakhstan boasts a proud tradition in boxing, with over 23 Olympic medalists and global legends such as Gennady Golovkin, Serik Sapiyev, and Vassiliy Jirov. However, this will mark the first-ever world title defense in modern history to take place in the country, showcasing Kazakhstan’s emergence as a force on the global boxing stage.

This groundbreaking event will be the debut promotion for Nomad Promotions, an ambitious company with a mission to elevate Kazakh boxing to new heights. Making history from day one, the event represents a bold statement of intent to bring world-class boxing to local fans.

Promoter, Scott Murray, of Nomad Promotions, said: “This is everything fight fans dream of. Two undefeated fighters, two world titles on the line, and one historic night. Organizing this historic night has been a labor of love for our team. We are committed to developing the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan, and there’s no better way to do that than by hosting a world title fight featuring our very own Janibek Alimkhanuly. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are honored to be part of this milestone. It is going to be a great, historic moment for both the sport and the country and the first of many events we bring to Kazakhstan.”

Top Rank Chairman, Bob Arum, said: “Janibek is a supreme talent and the very best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has tremendous support in Kazakhstan, and we are pleased that he’ll have the opportunity to defend his world titles in front of his adoring home fans. Anauel is a tough opponent, but Janibek is in a class of his own.”

French-Congolese Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, looks to follow in the footsteps of Ilanga Makabu by bringing the World Titles back to the Congo. The fierce punching middleweight brings an immense amount of confidence to the ring along with his unblemished record. 

Undefeated Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, said: “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. I know I’m going into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this. I respect Janibek and everything he’s achieved, but I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top. See you on April 5.”

With his unbeaten record and growing legacy, Janibek Alimkhanuly continues to inspire as he leads Kazakh boxing into a new era. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event in April 2025, where sport and national pride will collide in an unforgettable spectacle.

In addition to the highly anticipated main event, fans can expect a stacked undercard featuring rising stars and local talent, as well as a showcase of the grassroots initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of Kazakh boxers. Further details, including the full fight card and ticketing information, will be announced soon.

Tickets for “Homecoming” will go on sale from Monday 10th February 2025, with exclusive pre-sale access available at www.nomad-promotions.com. The fight will be aired on ESPN+ in the US.

Sheffield, England – (Jan 28th, 2025) – A heavy-handed veteran with an 83% finish rate and three knockouts wins in his last three fights will travel deep into enemy territory next month to face undefeated British middleweight standout Shakiel “Dr. Steel” Thompson (13-0, 9 KO’s), live on DAZN.

Sheffield man Thompson, ranked #9 in the world in the official WBO World Middleweight Rankings, was this week linked with an early summer showdown against WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly in Kazakhstan. The prospect of this mouth-watering, big-money bout makes February 7th’s outing a must-win for Thompson.

Hamisi Maya (17-5-1, 14 KO’s), who challenged for the WBO African Super-Welterweight Championship in 2022, heads to the Steel City next month intent on derailing Thompson’s run and shattering those world title hopes. 

None of Maya’s past three opponents have made it past the third round and his high finish rate is testament to the stunning power he carries in both hands. With nine knockout wins of his own, Dr Steel’s trademark surgical skill will be on full display as he aims to evade the heavy artillery and score a showcase win of his own.

Shakiel Thompson said, “I’m excited to get back in the ring next month and I am looking forward to a big year ahead with some big opportunities. Becoming world champion has always been my dream and I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with some big names in due course. Right now the next challenge for me is on February 7th in my home city of Sheffield, where I’ll be looking to make a statement.”

GBM promoter Izzy Asif said, “Shakiel Thompson is one of the most avoided men in British boxing right now. When we were matching him for this card it seemed a lot of fighters had their phones on silent – and to be fair I understand why. Look at the run he’s on, look at what he did in his last fight. He’s about to break out in a big way,” 

“Hamisi Maya stepped up and he’s an experienced veteran who is going to give Shakiel some problems to solve but I expect we see another successful operation for Dr Steel in Sheffield on February 7th.”

Regarding reports of negotiations with Janibek, Asif said, “We never comment on individual negotiations until agreements are in place, but we’re working on some very exciting announcements for 2025. We’ve stepped things up a new level each of the four years we’ve been in operation and now with DAZN beside us, we’re going to be stepping up in some big ways this year.”

GBM: A NEW DAWN takes place Friday, February 7th at the Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield and airs live and exclusively worldwide on DAZN.

The 11-fight card is headlined by a main event contest which sees Shakan Pitters challenge defending champion Daniel ‘Blenda’ Dos Santos, a French special forces veteran, for the European Light-Heavyweight Championship. 

Defending British, Commonwealth and European champion Tysie Gallagher was forced to withdraw from the card following the sudden and tragic passing of a close family member following a criminal assault on Monday night. Her bout with Ebonie Jones will be rescheduled to later this year.

SYDNEY, Australia (Sept. 18, 2024) — Andrei Mikhailovich, the unbeaten contender from New Zealand, will challenge Kazakhstan’s middleweight champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly for his IBF world title. The bout will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, at The Star in Sydney, Australia.

This action-packed event will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. and be broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports in Australia.

It will be the first time since Daniel Geale’s unanimous decision over Anthony Mundine at Sydney’s Entertainment Centre in 2013 that the IBF middleweight world title has taken place in Australia.

Promoted by No Limit Boxing, tickets for this must-see event will go on sale shortly via Ticketek.com.au.

The bout was previously due to headline a July 13 show at Palms Casino in Las Vegas. The fight was canceled prior to the pre-fight weigh-in when Janibek was hospitalized due to dehydration. No Limit Boxing won the subsequent IBF purse bid and elected to stage the fight in Australia.

Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Kazakhstan, rapidly ascended the middleweight division with key wins over Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. In May 2022, he knocked out Danny Dignum to secure the WBO interim title and was elevated to full champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the belt. In October 2023, he unified the middleweight titles with a victory over IBF champion Vincenzo Gualtieri, establishing himself as the dominant force in the division.

Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs), born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and raised in New Zealand, began boxing at 15 and turned professional in April 2018. He won his first regional title with a third-round TKO against Ernesto España in June 2022 and followed up with a decision win over Francis Waitai the next month. In April 2023, he delivered his most notable performance by recovering from an early knockdown to stop the previously unbeaten Edisson Saltarin in five rounds. He continued his impressive run with a first-round TKO victory over Les Sherrington a year later.

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose: “No Limit Boxing is thrilled to bring this top-tier showdown between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Andrei Mikhailovich to this side of the globe. It’s a mouthwatering matchup where Janibek’s powerful and dominant reign as the number one middleweight in the world meets Andrei’s undefeated drive and determination. It’s well-documented that nobody was wanting to take on the champion, but Andrei isn’t your everyday fighter. This is set to be a cracker of a fight and a genuine highlight for boxing enthusiasts around the world.”

Janibek Alimkhanuly: “In the Olympic Games in Sydney, two Kazakh boxers won gold. Bekzat Sattarhanov and Yermakhan Ibraimov inspired many Kazakhs. I grew up with a dream to glorify my country like them. I am very happy that I will box in Sydney. I want to show the world my flag in Sydney once again, as our Olympic champions did in 2000. The fight with Andrei is very important to me because he is an official contender for my title. He is like a cloud for me now. I must quickly get rid of the cloud to see the sun. Everyone knows and understands that he is easy work for me. I will knock him out very quickly!”

Andrei Mikhailovich: “I live in the present, but I certainly haven’t forgotten the past. I respect him as the champion, but I know that he doesn’t respect me. It’s why I look forward to taking absolutely everything from him. I will be writing my name into the history books alongside Joseph Parker and Maselino Masoe as a world champion. This is my destiny, it’s my everything. I will stop at nothing to make sure the world remembers the name Andrei Mikhailovich.”

LAS VEGAS (July 12, 2024) — WBO/IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s title defense against Andrei Mikhailovich at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas after being hospitalized Thursday evening due to dehydration.
 
“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.”
 
The 10-round lightweight showdown between undefeated contender Raymond Muratalla and former world champion Tevin Farmer has been elevated to the main event.
 
Muratalla-Farmer and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT. 

LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2024) — Kazakhstan’s middleweight king is ready to defend his throne against an unbeaten challenger determined to seize the unified crown.

Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly will put his WBO and IBF world titles on the line against New Zealand’s Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday, July 13, at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Raymond Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) will face former world champion Tevin Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs).

Janibek-Mikhailovich and Muratalla-Farmer top a loaded bill that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Despite holding two major world titles, Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs) is one of boxing’s most avoided champions. The 2016 Olympian has knocked out eight of his last nine foes, including a sixth-round drubbing of Vincenzo Gualtieri last October to unify the WBO and IBF titles.

Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) hopes his Cinderella story culminates with a pair of world titles in the world’s boxing capital. Adopted by a New Zealand couple from a Russian orphanage at 18 months, Mikhailovich overcame substance abuse issues as a teenager and didn’t pick up a pair of gloves until he was 15 years old. He turned pro five years later and captured a pair of regional titles in 2022 with a third-round stoppage over Ernesto España. Mikhailovich defended those titles last year with an epic fifth-round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Edisson Saltarin, where he survived a first-round knockdown.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Janibek Alimhkanuly

“The reason I’m here is to fight for all four titles. It doesn’t matter if I’m going to defend one title or two titles. I’m looking to get and defend all four titles.”

“I have to be critical of Erislandy Lara and Carlos Adames because they are champions and they do not want to fight other champions. I think that a real champion fights other champions. However, I think in the future, they will be sitting here as well.”

“I want to thank him for taking this fight. None of the other champions agreed to fight me. But he did step up. Of course, he is undefeated. He is young. He is very hungry. And he’s bringing everything on Saturday night.”

“Everything went well in my preparation in California. We had four or five different sparring partners. Everything went smoothly. And I’ll show you all on Saturday.”

Andrei Mikhailovich 

“I come from Russia. I was adopted there. Me and my twin came from an orphanage. The Soviet Union collapsed and there was a lot of disparity and economic issues and kids had to be given up. And unfortunately, I was given up. But, I didn’t give up on myself, and I fought the fight of life.”

“Everyone tells me that this is a huge fight and asks me how I’m going to handle the pressure of fighting in Las Vegas for the unified WBO and IBF middleweight championship. But the fight of life is a lot tougher than this. This is just another day in paradise for me. This is what I love to do.”

Raymond Muratalla

“Come Saturday night, I’ve got to make a statement so I can get these title shots that I want. I’m ready for it. I’ve been putting in the work. And I can’t wait to show you all on Saturday.” 

“I’m ready for a title shot. He’s a good fighter. But I just think I’m on another level now. It’s going to show Saturday night.” 

“I can’t count how many new sparring partners I’ve had. And they’re all southpaws. So, I’m fully prepared for this fight. There were too many guys to count. Different styles. Different height and weight. Big guys, small guys, and fast guys. So, whatever he brings, I’ll be ready for it.”

Tevin Farmer

“I’m excited. A lot of people might judge me based on my last {big} fight, when I fought Joseph Diaz Jr. There were a lot of medical issues, but we got it straightened out. I worked my butt off from 2020 until now. I had to take a couple of fights at a lower level to get back to where I needed to be. I understand the process. It’s not always easy. So, I’m coming to dominate.”

“There’s levels to this. There are steps he should have taken. For him to take such a big step is brave of him. He’s really brave. Maybe his team sees flaws in me that they think they can handle. I thank them for taking this fight. But I don’t know if I would have taken the fight if I were him.”

Ruben Villa

“I’m excited. I’m ready. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’m where I want to be. I’m knocking on the door of a world title shot. Every performance matters now, so on Saturday night, I plan on doing my best, dominating, and looking good.”

“There’s Venado {Lopez}. I fought him and beat him already. I would like to fight him again. That was a fun fight. We’ve both gotten better since. I’d also fight Rey Vargas, who is the WBC champ. I want a world title shot.”

Saturday, July 13

FIRST BELL: LIVE on ESPN+ (6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT)
 

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andrei Mikhailovich, 12 Rounds, Janibek’s WBO & IBF Middleweight World Titles

Javier Zamarron vs. Mikey Bracamontes, 6 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, presented by AutoZone: Janibek vs. Mikhailovich, will be presented live this Saturday, July 13, at 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+. The event takes place at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly will defend his WBO and IBF middleweight world titles against unbeaten contender Andrei Mikhailovich.

Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, swiftly moved from prospect to WBO Interim middleweight champion by knocking out Danny Dignum in 2022. He was soon elevated to full champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title. Janibek successfully defended his title against Denzel Bentley later that year and became a unified champion in October 2023 by knocking out IBF champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in six rounds.

Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and raised in New Zealand, Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) began boxing at 15 and turned pro in 2018. He claimed his first regional title with a TKO of Ernesto Espana in 2022. He notched an eye-opening victory in 2023, overcoming an early knockdown to stop undefeated Edisson Saltarin in five rounds. His winning ways continued in April with a first-round TKO over Les Sherrington.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Raymond Muratalla will face former world champion Tevin Farmer.

At 27 years old, Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) graduated to contender status in 2023 with three knockout victories, including a stunning second-round TKO over Jeremia Nakathila on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko pay-per-view undercard. He made his 2024 debut in March with a 10-round decision over Xolisani Ndongeni.
 

Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs) overcame early-career setbacks before going on an 18-fight winning streak. In 2017, his bout against Kenichi Ogawa for the IBF junior lightweight title ended in controversy when Ogawa’s initial win was overturned due to a positive test for a banned substance. Farmer then seized the vacant title by defeating Billy Dib in 2018 and defended it four times before losing a competitive decision to Joseph Diaz Jr. in 2020. Since losing the belt, Farmer has rebounded with three victories, including a first-round stoppage of Alan Luques Castillo in March.

Undercard action begins at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Timothy Bradley Jr., Bernardo Osuna, and Mark Kriegel.

ESPN.com

Out Thursday: Ranking the best fights this weekend Nick Parkinson picks the best matchups on Saturday and shares why you should watch, including Janibek vs. Mikhailovich.

Out Friday: 2024 boxing mid-year awards. Mike Coppinger picks the best fight, fighter, KO and biggest upset through the first six months of 2024.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

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Janibek vs. Mikhailovich (All Times ET)

About ESPN

LAS VEGAS (June 5, 2024) — Welterweight prospect Art Barrera Jr., the latest pugilistic prodigy from the renowned Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, has inked a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank.

The 18-year-old Barrera, a native of Lynwood, California, returns in a six-rounder against Javier Mayoral (6-5-1, 1 KO) on Saturday, July 13, on the ESPN+-streamed Janibek Alimkhanuly-Andrei Mikhailovich undercard at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

“Art is an elite talent with an incredible team. He has all the makings of a superstar,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s shown his prodigious talent on three Top Rank cards this year, and I can’t wait to see him back in action July 13 in Las Vegas.”

Barrera said, “I’m excited to officially join the Top Rank stable. All my hard work is paying off. As a professional, I’ve showcased my skills on three Top Rank shows and dominated each time. They’ve seen what I’m capable of, and I’m grateful for their trust. I’m ready to take my career to the next level.”

“Art Barrera Jr is one of the best young prospects I have had in recent memory,” said Robert Garcia, Barrera’s trainer and manager. “Great speed, timing, and power. At the young age of 18, he has already had the chance to spar and learn from some of the best fighters in the world, including Vergil Ortiz Jr., Brandun Lee, Lindolfo Delgado, Jose Ramirez, Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela, and many more. Art has a very bright future, and with the help of Top Rank, I believe we have a future star in the sport of boxing.”

Barrera (5-0, 4 KOs) debuted as a pro in August 2023 with a second-round stoppage against Raymundo Rios Cardiel and continued his momentum less than two months later with a first-round knockout over Darek Costilla. Barrera initiated his 2024 campaign in February by blasting out Michael Portales in the opening round on the Teofimo Lopez-Jamaine Ortiz undercard. He returned in March and dispatched Keven Soto in only two rounds. In May, he went the distance for the first time, beating Levy Garcia Benitez from pillar to post before earning a unanimous points verdict.

LAS VEGAS (May 30, 2024) — Kazakhstan’s middleweight king is gearing up to defend his unified crown against an unbeaten contender seeking to claim his throne.

Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly will put his WBO and IBF world titles on the line against New Zealand’s Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday, July 13, at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Raymond Muratalla will face former world champion Tevin Farmer.

Janibek-Mikhailovich and Muratalla-Farmer top a loaded bill that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 4 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Janibek is the best middleweight in the world and willing to fight anyone in that division. Mikhailovich is a hungry, undefeated contender, and he is coming from New Zealand to shake up the title picture,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Muratalla can compete with any lightweight in the world, and I expect Tevin Farmer to give him a stiff test. Tevin is a decorated former champion who understands that a win puts him right back in the title picture.”

Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, quickly rose the ranks from prospect to contender ranks. In 2021, he registered knockout wins over former belt-holders Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam before securing the WBO Interim middleweight world title with a second-round demolition of Danny Dignum in May 2022. He was elevated to full champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title and made his first defense with a unanimous points win versus Denzel Bentley that November. In May 2023, he blasted out Canadian contender Steven Butler in two rounds and became a unified champion that October by vanquishing IBF king Vincenzo Gualtieri via sixth-round TKO.

“I look forward to defending my world titles, and I must give Andrei Mikhailovich a lot of credit. The other world middleweight champions refused the challenge, and he stepped up to the plate,” Janibek said. “On July 13 in Las Vegas, I will show the world ‘Qazaq Style’ again. The road to undisputed continues, and Mikhailovich is in my way.”

Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and was raised in New Zealand. He began boxing at 15 and turned pro five years later in April 2018. Mikhailovich captured his first regional strap with a third-round TKO versus Ernesto España in June 2022 and decisioned Francis Waitai across eight rounds the following month. He registered his most impressive victory in April 2023 by rising off the canvas in the opening stanza to stop then-unbeaten Edisson Saltarin in five. He returned one year later to score a first-round TKO win over Les Sherrington.

Mikhailovich said, “At the end of the day, Janibek is just another guy, another test on my way to greatness. Others will say this is a big deal, but to me, this is fate. I was born for this. Since day one, I have planned to dominate, take over, and control my destiny. I train relentlessly, eat right, and always maintain a warrior’s mindset, so I don’t need any extra motivation because the two belts are on the line.” 

Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) is a 27-year-old contender inching towards a world title opportunity. He went 3-0 with three knockouts in 2023. In March, he overcame a first-round knockdown to finish Humberto Galindo with a body shot in the ninth, opened the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko pay-per-view broadcast that May by pulverizing Jeremia Nakathila in two, and culminated his year in November by destroying then-unbeaten Mexican puncher Diego Torres in eight. Muratalla heads into this contest following a 10-round points verdict over Xolisani Ndongeni in March.

“I’m ready for the lightweight champions, but I can’t take Tevin Farmer lightly. He is a former world champion who wants another shot,” Muratalla said. “I have a great training team with Robert Garcia and all the fighters at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, and they push me to get better every fight. On July 13, you will see the best version of Raymond Muratalla.”

Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs) overcame early-career setbacks before going on an 18-fight win streak, culminating in a showdown against Kenichi Ogawa for the IBF junior lightweight title in December 2017. Ogawa’s controversial points win was overturned to a No Contest after he tested positive for a banned substance. Farmer then had his second title shot and triumphed over Billy Dib to win the vacant IBF strap the following August. The 33-year-old made four defenses before losing the belt to Joseph Diaz Jr. in January 2020. He has since gone 3-0 with two knockouts, including a first-round stoppage over Alan Luques Castillo in March.

Farmer said, “I’m finally in a healthy state. It’s time to show my level. The fans haven’t seen me at my best yet. I’m happy they’ll finally witness greatness from me.”

In scheduled undercard action:

Argentinian puncher Gustavo Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) will make his Top Rank debut in a 10-round battle. Lemos made his U.S. debut in April by giving unbeaten contender Richardson Hitchins all he could handle in an IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator, nearly stopping him in the eighth before losing a controversial points verdict.

Junior lightweights William Foster III (17-1, 11 KOs) and Eridson Garcia (18-1, 12 KOs) will collide in a 10-rounder. Foster rebounded from his loss to Henry Lebron last November with a first-round TKO against Lucas Mignoni in March. Garcia also secured a first-round TKO that month, defeating Jose Santos Gonzalez.

Former world title challenger Ruben “Drac” Villa (22-1, 7 KOs) will fight in a 10-rounder at featherweight versus Sulaiman Segawa (16-4-1, 6 KOs). Villa began his 2024 campaign by besting Christian Cruz via decision in April. 

Featherweight prospect Jonathan Lopez (15-0, 11 KOs) looks to extend his knockout streak to three in an eight-rounder. Lopez, who trains with Eddy Reynoso, began his 2024 campaign earlier this month by stopping Edgar Ortega on the undercard of the Emanuel Navarrete-Denys Berinchyk main event.

Bay Area-born junior welterweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (9-0, 5 KOs) will see action in an eight-rounder against Ricardo Quiroz (13-4, 7 KOs). Sheehy returns after February’s shutout decision over Abdel Sauceda.

# # #
About Palms Casino Resort
Palms Casino Resort is making history as the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe. Palms Casino Resort features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues, and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. Offering free valet and self-parking, the resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; an expansive pool, The Spa & Salon at Palms; a wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums.

Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road. Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more information visit http://www.palms.com/ or the Palms Press Room. Follow Palms on social media  Facebook Twitter Instagram.

Janibek Alimkhanuly stopped Vincenzo Gualtieri in round six to retain his WBO and win the IBF Middleweight title at the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas.

Alimkhanuly hurt Gualtieri in round five with a devastating left uppercut. In round six, it was another uppercut that hurt Gualtieri that made him stumble to the corner and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Alimkhanuly, 159.3 lbs of Kazakhstan is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Gualtieri, 159.5 lbs of Germany is 21-1-1.

Janibek said, “This is my style of fighting. This is Qazaq style, and this is what I will continue to do.
 
“We knew from the beginning that he wasn’t going to fight back. He was waiting because he thought I was going to get tired. But I didn’t get tired.
 
“We would like to add another two belts to this collection. We hope that our promoter Top Rank can organize that.”
 
Gualtieri said, “Congratulations to Janibek. He was better tonight. But I think it was a little bit early to end the fight. But he was better today.

Keyshawn Davis won a 10-round majority decision over Nahir Albright in a lightweight bout.

Davis landed 139 of 331 punches. Albright was 92 of 425.

Davis, 135 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 10-0. Albright, 134.9 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 16-3.

Davis said, “I had it as a win for me. That’s all that matters. He was a tough fighter. And this fight today gave me some good experience. I was feeling good. I was just boxing. I was just having fun and doing what I want to do.
 
“I just want to show that I belong at the top of the 135-pound division. I’m working my way up there. If Jose Pedraza is willing to take a fight with me, then let’s do it.”

Richard Torrez Jr. remained perfect by stopping Tyrell Anthony Herndon in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Torrez dropped Herndon with a hard 1-2 combination. Torrez jumped all over Herndon and landed an assault and the fight was stopped when Herndon turned his back at 1:26.

Torrez, 233.1 lbs of Talure, CA is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Herndon, 234.8 lbs of San Antonio is 21-5.

Torrez said, “This is a process. Top Rank has the best matchmakers, and I fight whoever they put in front of me. If they say I’m ready to fight eight-rounders next, I’ll be ready.
 
“I’m not expecting knockouts. When I don’t expect them, that’s when they happen. It’s a Catch 22. If I expect the knockouts, then they don’t happen. I just want to show my boxing ability, and I got two rounds in this time. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Guido Vianello won an eight-round unanimous decision over Curtis Harper in a heavyweight bout.

Vianello, 241.3 lbs of Rome, ITA won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 11-1-1. Harper, 275.5 lbs of Clarksville, TN is

Giovanni Marquez remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage over Donte Strayhorn in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Marquez dropped Staryhorn with two right uppercuts. Seconds later, it was a vicious four punch combination that was punctuated by a left hook that put Strayhorn on the deck. Marquez ended things by landing seven unanswered punches that finished the fight at 2:47.

Marquez, 141.3 lbs of Houston, TX is 7-0 with five knockouts. Strayhorn, 140.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 12-5-1.

Duke Ragan got off the deck to win a eight-round split-decision over Jose Perez in a featherweight bout.

In round five, Pere landed a big left hook that dropped Ragan. Ragan was cut on his right cheekbone. In round seven, Perez was cut over his right eye.

Ragan, 125.3 lbs of Cincinatti, OH was coming off a year layoff, and won by scores of 76-75 twice, while Perez took a card 76-75.

Ragan is now 10-0. Perez, 126.4 lbs of Oak Hill, CA is 11-2-2.

Kelvin Davis remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Narcisco Carmona in a junior welterweight. fight.

Davis, 142 lbs. of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 80-72, 79=73 and 77-75 and is now 10-0. Carmona, 142.6 lbs of Servilla, SPA is 11-2-1.

Alan Garcia remained with a six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Hampton in a junior welterweight fight.

Garcia, 137.8 lbs of Ulysses, KN won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-0. Hampton, 137.3 lbs of McAllen, TX is 10-8.

Oscar Bravo and Humberto Galindo fought to a eight-round majority draw in a junior lightweight fight.

In round three, Galindo was deducted a point for a low blow. In round four, Bravo was deducted a point for holding.

Scores were 76-74 for Galindo and 75-75 twice.

Bravo, 130.8 lbs of Sabtiago, CHL is 25-13-1. Gallindo, 131.7 lbs of Tijuan, MEX is 14-3-2.

Jakhungir Zokirov made a successful pro debut with a fourth-round stoppage over Guillermo Del Rio in the final scheduled round of their heavyweight bout.

In round one, Zokirov dropped Del Rio with a left hand.

In round four, Zokirov dropped Del Rio Again with another straight left and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Zokirov, 263.5 lbs of Uzbekistan is 1-0 with one knockout. Del Rio, 217.1 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 4-5-1.

ROSENBERG, Texas (Oct. 12, 2023) — The Middleweight Boogeyman is ready for his opportunity to unify titles.

WBO world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (14-0, 9 KOs) will square off against unbeaten IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) in a title unification showdown this Saturday at Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas. 

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) takes another step up in class against Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright (16-2, 7 KOs).

Janibek-Gualtieri and Davis-Albright will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:55 p.m. ET/2:55 p.m. PT) features U.S. Olympic silver medal heavyweight standout Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon (21-4, 14 KOs).

Houston native Giovanni Marquez (6-0, 4 KOs) will take on Donte Strayhorn (12-4-1, 4 KOs) in a junior welterweight tilt scheduled for six rounds, and U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (8-0, 1 KOs) returns in an eight-round featherweight clash against Jose Perez (11-1-2, 5 KOs).

Junior welterweight prospect Kelvin Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), Keyshawn’s older brother, will make his third appearance of 2023 in an eight-rounder against Narciso Carmona (11-1-1, 6 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with AGON Sports & Events, tickets are on sale now via ETix. 

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Janibek Alimkhanuly 

“It’s going to be a very good fight. I want to thank my opponent for bringing his title into this battle. I expect it to be a very good fight on Saturday night. I will once again show what ‘Qazaq Style’ is.”

“I changed my trainer for this fight. We got all the knowledge that we could from Buddy McGirt. And now we have a new trainer in Brian Viloria. We are doing new workouts and learning new things. We’re also adding things to my style. On Saturday night, you’ll see a new side of me.”

“My new trainer was a world champion, so he knows what this is about. It was our first camp together, so we couldn’t add too much. But I’ll show what I learned in the ring on Saturday night.”

Vincenzo Gualtieri

“I am happy to be here. It has always been my dream to have a fight here in the United States. Now, my dream has come true, and I expect to be the winner on Saturday.”

“For this fight, I had more sparring partners than in previous camps, and I’ve been more focus than ever before. I have invested everything in this training camp.”

“This fight means everything to me. It’s why I worked so hard in camp. A lot of people underestimate me, but I’m here to prove that I will be successful.” 

Keyshawn Davis

“I feel great. I feel the best that I’ve ever felt. I’ve made a lot of adjustments. We followed the game plan in training camp. And, honestly, this is the best I’ve ever felt before a fight.”

“If you miss it, you’re going to see it all over social. His a** is going to be on SportsCenter and Sky Sports. He’s really a rookie. I’m going to show it.”

“We ain’t coming here to play. He already knows how I’m coming. You don’t have to be scared to get f**ked up!”

Nahir Albright 

“I didn’t really learn anything in my last fight {against Karlos Balderas}. I just showed where I belong. I came out and did what I was supposed to do and got the win.”

“Every time I walk into the ring, I think about my daughter. It’s motivation. It’s motivation during training camp. And I always bring that energy with me.”

“We stepped it up in sparring. I got all types of sparring. I got sparring from my little brother, Quadir Albright, as well. He’s the best junior welterweight coming up.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I think what you can expect is very similar to what you’ve seen. I’m going to try to push the pace, throw lots of feints and dictate the fight. At the end of the day, you can put anybody in there and Richard Torrez is still going to be in the ring as well. So, I’m not really worried about what my opponent has to offer. I’m more concerned with what I bring to the table.”

Giovanni Marquez

“I’m extremely excited. This is a great opportunity. I’m excited to see all my friends, family and hometown fans. And I’m ready to just go out there and put all my hard training to use and give the fans a spectacular performance.”

Saturday, October 14

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri, 12 rounds, WBO/IBF Middleweight World Title Unification 

Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright, 10 rounds, USBA/WBO International/WBC USA Lightweight Titles

ESPN+ (5:55 p.m. ET/2:55 p.m. PT)

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Jakhongir Zokirov vs. Guillermo Del Rio, 4 rounds heavyweight

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Janibek vs. Gualtieri will be presented live this Saturday, October 14, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ from Fort Bend Epicenter, Rosenberg, Texas.

In the main event, reigning WBO world champion, Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly, will lock horns against unbeaten IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in a title unification showdown.

Janibek (14-0, 9 KOs) is a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, who took the fast lane to top of the division. He became world champion in 2022 and has made two defenses, beating British champion Denzel Bentley via unanimous decision last November and Canadian contender Steven Butler via second-round stoppage in May.

Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) debuted as a professional in October 2015. He went 15-0 before fighting to a draw against fellow unbeaten German Thomas Piccirillo in August 2020. He captured the vacant IBF middleweight world title this year with a unanimous decision win against then-undefeated Brazilian Esquiva Falcao.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist from Virginia, Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), takes another step up in class against Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright (16-2, 7 KOs). This past July, Davis shut out former European champion Francesco Patera via 10-round unanimous decision, while Albright is coming off an upset majority decision win against U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas.

The undercard features U.S. Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) making his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round heavyweight battle against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon (21-4, 14 KOs). Torrez hopes to notch his third first-round victory of the year after first-round stoppages over James Bryant in February and Willie Jake Jr. in August.

The undercard Streams Exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:55 p.m. ET / 2:55 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

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Janibek vs. Gualtieri (All Times ET)

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ROSENBERG, Texas (Sept. 1, 2023) – Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly is ready to conquer the middleweight division one belt a time.
 
The reigning WBO world champion will lock horns against unbeaten IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in a title unification showdown on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas. This will be the first boxing event to take place at the brand-new, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue, which opened its doors last week.
 
In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis takes another step up in class against Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with AGON Sports & Events, Janibek-Gualtieri and Davis-Albright will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets starting at $35 go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. CST via ETix.
 
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Janibek is the best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has a chance to prove that once again with a victory over a tough champion in Vincenzo Gualtieri. I’m also pleased to see the future of the lightweight division, Keyshawn Davis, take his biggest step up to date against Nahir Albright. Top Rank is thrilled to be hosting the first boxing event at Fort Bend Epicenter, where fans near the Houston area will be in for a real treat.”
 
Janibek (14-0, 9 KOs) is a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, who took the fast lane to becoming champion. In 2021, he scored knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He captured the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round destruction of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title. Janibek has made two defenses, beating British champion Denzel Bentley via unanimous decision last November and blasting out Canadian contender Steven Butler via second-round stoppage in May.
 
Janibek said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to fight a fellow world champion. This fight gets me one step closer to becoming the undisputed middleweight champion, and I thank Vincenzo Gualtieri for putting his belt on the line. He is doing what the other champions have refused to do. I will, however, return home to Kazakhstan as a unified champion.”
 
Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) debuted as a professional in October 2015. He went 15-0 before fighting to a draw against fellow unbeaten German Thomas Piccirillo in August 2020. He captured his first regional title with a points victory against Billi Facundo Godoy in November 2021. He defended it twice before capturing the vacant IBF middleweight world title with a unanimous decision win against then-undefeated Brazilian Esquiva Falcao.
 
Gualtieri said, “Janibek is an outstanding boxer who has done it all as an amateur and a professional, just like Esquiva Falcao. Janibek is a southpaw, just like Esquiva Falcao. Janibek was the favorite, just like Falcao. In the end, Janibek, like Falcao, will lose because I have the better team and the will of a champion. Only that will decide who wins and who loses, just as it did against Falcao.”
 
Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, is making a rapid ascent up the lightweight rankings. After going 3-0 as a pro, he captured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank and has since scored six victories, including brutal knockouts against Esteban Sanchez and Omar Tienda. In April, he pummeled Anthony Yigit en route to a ninth-round TKO victory. He shut out former European champion Francesco Patera via 10-round unanimous decision in July.

Davis said, “I’m coming to Texas to beat up Nahir Albright. Simple as that. He’s not on my level, and after I put on a show, a message will be sent. The future of the lightweight division is here.”
 
Albright (16-2, 7 KOs) lost a majority decision in his pro debut in 2016. Undeterred, he won his next 14 fights and captured his first regional title with a decision win over Jeremy Hill in July 2021. He stopped Michael Dutchover in the sixth round of their showdown two months later before suffering a decision loss against Jamaine Ortiz in February 2022. Albright bounced back seven months later by handing Brazilian standout Estivan Falcao his first loss. He is coming off an upset majority decision win against U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in July.
 
Albright said, “This is another step in the right direction. He’s another person in my way. I’m not worried about Keyshawn Davis. I just beat an Olympian in my last fight. I want to fight the best and prove I belong in the ring with the top guys.”
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature a host of up-and-coming talents:
 
U.S. Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round heavyweight battle against Don Haynesworth (17-8-1, 15 KOs). Torrez hopes to notch his third first-round victory of the year after first-round stoppages over James Bryant in February and Willie Jake Jr. in August.
 
Junior welterweight standout Giovanni Marquez (6-0, 4 KOs), son of former world champion Raul Marquez, will put his unbeaten record on the line in a scheduled six-rounder. The Houston native is coming off a second-round TKO win against Nicky Vitone in August.
 
U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (8-0, 1 KO) will make his 2023 debut in an eight-round featherweight fight against Jose Perez (11-1-2, 5 KOs). Ragan, from Cincinnati, Ohio, turned away a stiff challenge from Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron last October at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
2016 Italian Olympian Guido Vianello (10-1-1, 9 KOs) will take on Florida veteran Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight tilt. In his last fight, Vianello lost his ‘0’ after a right hand from veteran Jonnie Rice caused a cut above his left eye, forcing the referee to end the bout in the seventh round. Vianello was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
 
Kelvin Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), the eldest of the fighting Davis Brothers from Norfolk, will see action in an eight-round junior welterweight clash. Davis returns after a fourth-round knockout win against Derrick Whitley Jr. in July.
 
Unbeaten lightweight prospect Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 

# # #

About The Fort Bend County Epicenter
At 230,000 sq. ft., the Epicenter, located in Rosenberg, Texas, is a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility.  The arena boasts over 8,600 fixed seats, with a capacity of 10,000.  The venue features a multipurpose area and a covered outdoor pavilion. The Epicenter can host multicourt basketball and volleyball tournaments, concerts, family entertainment and livestock shows. www.thefortbendepicenter.com.

Janibek Alimkhanuly retained the WBO Middleweight title with a second round obliteration of Steven Butler at The Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In round two, Alimkhanuly dropped Butler with a devastating left uppercut that was followed by a huge left. When Butler got up, he was on unsteady legs. Alimkhanuly jumped on Butler and sent him to the canvas for second time with a big flurry of punches. Alimkhanuly continued to pound a wounded Butler and put him flat ion his back and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Alimkhanuly, 159.2 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 14-0 with nine knockouts. Butler, 159.6 lbs of Montreal 32-4-1.

Alimkhanuly said, “Championsl. Boxing superstars! Where are you? I am waiting. Let’s fight. I am the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go. Let’s fight. I am ready for anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.”

Jason Moloney Decisions Astrolabio to Win Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney won the vacant WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio

Moloney was cut around the left eye in round seven.

Moloney landed 143 of 463 punches. Atrolabio was 109 of 596.

Moloney, 117.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 26-2. Astrolabio, 117.2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-4.

Moloney won the title on his third attempt.

Moloney said, “I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life.

“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.

“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, [twin brother] Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. destroyed Derrick Murray by scoring an opening-round, one-punch stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Flores landed a perfect check left hook to the chin that sent Murray crushing down to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the canvas and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Flores, 134.4 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 22-2 with eight knockouts. Murray, 134.4 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 17-9-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV stopped Maicol Lopez Viillagrano in round five of their eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Villa dropped Villagrano with a left uppercut that was followed by a straight left to the chin. In round five, Villa landed several big lefts that forced a referee stoppage at 1:55.

Villa, 126.4 lbs of Salinas, CA is 20-1 with seven knockouts. Villagrano, 126.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-5.

Javier Martinez and Joeshon Jones fought to an eight-round split draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Martinez won a card 77-75; Jones took a card 79-73 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Martinez, 160.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 8-0-1. Jonez, 161.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-0-1.

Amado Fernando Vargas won a four-round unanimous decision over Bernando Marzano in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Vargas dropped Manzano with a hard left.

Vargas, 129.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is ow 7-0. Marzano, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 2-5.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Perez in a welterweight fight.

Norman, 148 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 24-0. Perez, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 24-5.

  •  Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.2 lbs. vs. Steven Butler 159.6  lbs
(Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Jason Moloney117.8 lbs vs. Vincent Astrolabio 117.2 lbs
(Vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT)

•  Gabriel Flores Jr. 134.4  lbs vs. Derrick Murray 134.4  lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Javier Martinez 161.2 lbs  vs. Joeshon James 161.2 lbs 
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Ruben Villa 126.4 lbs  vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana 126.6 lbs 
 (Featherweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Amado Fernando Vargas 129.4 lbs vs. Bernardo Manzano 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Brian Norman Jr. 148 lbs  vs. Jesus Perez 147 lbs
 (Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 11, 2023) – An action-packed world championship doubleheader is coming to Stockton, California.

Undefeated Kazakh phenom Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBO middleweight world title against Canadian contender Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) this Saturday at Stockton Arena.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT) includes Stockton-born lightweight Gabriel Flores Jr. (21-2, 7 KOs)and top featherweight contender Ruben Villa (19-1, 6 KOs) in separate eight-round bouts. Amado Fernando Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs), the undefeated son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, is also set to return in a four-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Janibek Alimkhanuly

“I’m very excited. This is my second defense. I prepared very well for this fight. I don’t want to just defend my title. I want to unify titles. I think it’s going to be a great fight this Saturday night.”
 
“I really enjoyed training at Brickhouse Boxing. In my last fight, I fought all 12 rounds, and I felt like something was missing. So, we added a new conditioning coach, and he has helped me a lot. I had a very good preparation. I really enjoy working with Buddy McGirt at Brickhouse Boxing.” 
 
“I got a new conditioning coach because I understand that it will help me grow. If you keep doing the same things, then you will stay in the same place. I wanted to grow. I wanted to unify. I wanted to fight Jermall Charlo. I wanted to fight Erislandy Lara. In order to do that, I knew that I had to make changes.”
 
“As a fighter, I really respect him because he says what he thinks. But I’m going to show him that not only will he not be able to knock me out, he won’t even be able to touch me.” 

Steven Butler
 
“I’m 100 percent ready. I have a lot of respect for Janibek for giving me the opportunity, but he’ll be making a big mistake if he tries to think past me. I want to knock him out. I want the belt. That’s it.”
 
“I’ve learned a lot. I started boxing when I was 11 years old. I’m 27 now. So, I have a lot experience behind me. When I put it all together on Saturday night, I’m going to shock the world.”
 
“This means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true. We have worked a long time for this title shot. And now we have the opportunity this Saturday night to fight for, and win, the title.”
 
“I’m scared of nobody. I’ve taken risks my whole life. Janibek is a good boxer. I have nothing bad to say about him. But we worked hard in this training camp. I’ve worked hard my entire life for this fight.”

Jason Moloney

“This means everything to me. I’ve been boxing for nearly 20 years now and chasing this one dream of becoming champion of the world. It’s something I think about every single day of my life. I train so hard. I’ve made so many sacrifices to be in this position. So, I’m ready. Nothing will make me prouder than having that belt wrapped around my waist and sharing this special moment with my family and my team.”
 
This is a really special moment for us. I’ll be fighting to become world champion this weekend. And my brother, Andrew, will fight for a world title on the Haney vs. Lomachenko card as well. This is an incredible story. Two twin brothers that have been on this journey for nearly 20 years. For us to finally achieve it and to become champions one week apart is incredible.”

Vincent Astrolabio 
 
“I’m am very determined to take the belt home to the Philippines for my family, my country and my people. I am prepared 100 percent. I am very much ready for this fight.”
 
“I have this stuffed kangaroo because I will give it to Jason. I have it because I think of Jason as a baby kangaroo.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“It feels amazing to be here. It gives me life. It gives me energy. It helps me keep on going. Because when I fight and I win, my whole city wins. My whole city is going in there with me. So, it feels great. I feel so alive here. I can’t wait to repeat 2019.” 

Ruben Villa

“It feels good to finally be on the A-side of the card. To repay the people who have helped me, I always want to perform well. I want to perform at the best. I got to work at the Top Rank Gym for this camp. And everything went well. I really can’t wait to show what I’ve been working on.”

Amado Fernando Vargas

“Training camp has been phenomenal. I’ve been working with Gabriel Flores and his father. They’ve been helping me out tremendously in camp with my boxing. And, of course, my father Fernando Vargas has been helping us. He showed me how to throw my first punch, and now we’re here together on the big stage.” 

Saturday, May 13 
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler, 12 rounds, Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title

Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Derrick Murray, 8 rounds, Lightweight

Javier Martinez  vs. Joeshon James, 8 rounds, Middleweight
 
Ruben Villa vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana, 8 rounds, Featherweight
 
Amado Fernando Vargas vs. Bernardo Manzano, 4 rounds, Junior Lightweight
 
Haven Brady Jr. vs. D’Angelo Fuentes, 8 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jesus Perez, 8 rounds, Welterweight

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 10, 2023) – WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuky is ready to take out his frustrations on Steven Butler. After calls to unify against the division’s other champions were not answered, Janibek will defend his world title against big-punching Canadian contender Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, rose the ranks in 2021 with knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He picked up the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round blitzing of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated his title. Janibek made the first defense of his title in November, turning back the stiff challenge of British champion Denzel Bentley. Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) has won four straight bouts, all in Canada, since back-to-back defeats.

Following a recent training session, this is what Janibek had to say:

“I give all the credit to Steven Butler for accepting this fight. In a division full of ducks, Butler is a true warrior. I know he will come to fight, and we will give the fans a great show.”

“Demetrius Andrade gave up his title to avoid fighting me. He ran eight pounds up the scale. He is the ultimate duck. Jaime Munguia turned down a shot at the title to fight weaker opposition. They are the two ducks, but I am the champion now.”

“I called out the division’s other champions, and they didn’t answer. Butler answered the call. I am fighting Saturday to prove a point. I will knock out Butler in devastating fashion.”

“The middleweight division runs through me now. I am here to stay. While the other champions continue not to fight, I will challenge the best and knock out everyone in my path.”

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone presents a world championship doubleheader. Janibek vs. Butler and Moloney vs. Astrolabio, live this Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA. 

The main event features undefeated Kazak phenom Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) defending his WBO middleweight world title against Canadian contender Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs).

Janibek, a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the fast track to title contention after representing his country in the 2016 Olympics. He captured his first pair of regional titles in 2019 and in 2021 stopped former world champions Hassan N’Dam and Rob Brant. In 2022, he captured the interim WBO middleweight title. He was then elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his title. Last November, Janibek defended his title against Denzel Bentley via a 12-round decision.

Butler is a nine-year pro from Montreal, Canada. He captured the IBF North American title via first-round knockout against Janks Trotter in 2016 before suffering his first defeat against then-undefeated Brandon Cook the following year. Butler bounced back with eight knockout victories before decisioning Vitalii Kopylenko to capture the WBC International middleweight title. Butler is now coming off four wins, two of them by knockout.

In the co-feature for the vacant WBO bantamweight title, former two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will take on hard-hitting Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs).

The undercard will stream exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. PT.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley Jr. as analysts; Mark Kriegel and Crystina Poncher will serve as reporters.  

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STOCKTON, Calif. (May 1, 2023) — Undefeated featherweight prospect Amado Fernando Vargas is set to return in a four-rounder on the May 13 undercard of the world championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazakh phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Vargas’ bout will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect who made his pro debut in 2021 with a first-round knockout against Hector Montijo Molina in Mexico. In 2022, he made his U.S. debut by defeating Anel Mudo via four-round unanimous decision in May and ended the year with a points victory against Osmar Olmos Hernandez in November. In his last fight, Vargas decisioned Printice Canada over four rounds in April. Trained by his father, former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, he is one of three boxing brothers, along with older sibling Fernando Jr. and younger brother and Top Rank-signed lightweight Emiliano.

STOCKTON, Calif. (April 5, 2023) — Tickets are on sale now for the May 13 championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr., in an eight-round lightweight battle.
 

Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao joins the undercard action in a 10-round junior lightweight bout. Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action for the first time since dropping a decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last September. His only other loss came against former two-division champion Oscar Valdez.

(April 3, 2023) — Featherweight contender Ruben “Drac” Villa, the 25-year-old southpaw dynamo from Salinas, California, has inked a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank. Villa will make his long-awaited ring return in an eight-rounder Saturday, May 13, on the undercard of the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Steven Butler WBO middleweight title fight at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
“Ruben Villa has everything it takes to become a world champion,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s a young, talented southpaw who has already tested himself at the sport’s highest level. His future is very bright.”
 
Villa said, “I have always dreamed of fighting on ESPN consistently and being with Top Rank to make the big fights. I want to win a world title and to do it as soon as possible. I look forward to fighting in Stockton, where my hometown fans will be out in full force.”
 
“Villa will be a world champion very soon,” said Rick Mirigian, Villa’s manager. “This partnership was the perfect fit, and we thank Top Rank for a tremendous deal for Ruben to prove he belongs with the top featherweights.”
 
Villa (19-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2016 and captured the WBO International featherweight strap in May 2019 with a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez, who is now the IBF featherweight world champion. Four months after toppling Lopez, he pitched a shutout over top Mexican contender Jose Enrique Vivas. Those victories helped earn him a shot at Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO featherweight world title in October 2020. Navarrete dropped Villa in the first and fourth rounds, but Villa outboxed Navarrete for long stretches. The two knockdowns were critical, as Navarrete notched a unanimous decision by scores of 114-112 2x and 115-111. Villa has fought once since the Navarrete loss, knocking out Horacio Garcia in the ninth round last April.

STOCKTON, Calif. (March 29, 2023) — Undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style”Alimkhanuly will defend his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler on Saturday, May 13, at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, former two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight title.

Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Featured on the EPSN+-streamed undercard is the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr. (21-2, 7 KOs). The 22-year-old will fight in an eight-round lightweight bout and hopes to rebound from last July’s loss to Giovanni Cabrera.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, ticket information will be announced shortly.

“We are excited to bring two world championship fights to the wonderful fight city of Stockton,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Janibek is the most avoided middleweight in the world, but Steven Butler did not hesitate to take on the challenge. Jason Moloney has been close to a world title before, but he’ll need to be at his best to defeat a determined Filipino in Vincent Astrolabio.”

“I’m very proud of the character Steven has shown to work his way back to the top,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger. “We are not going to miss our chance. We’re going to cause a surprise on May 13.”

Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the fast track to title contention after representing his country in the 2016 Olympics. He captured his first pair of regional titles in 2019 by defeating Cristian Olivas. In 2021, Janibek stopped former world champions Hassan N’Dam and Rob Brant. The following year, the 29-year-old blasted out Danny Dignum in two rounds to capture the interim WBO middleweight title, earning a shot at then-champion Demetrius Andrade. Janibek was elevated to world champion after Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his title. The southpaw defended his title against Denzel Bentley via a 12-round decision last November.

“All of the middleweights have run scared, so I give Steven Butler a lot of credit for accepting the fight,” Janibek said. “I want to unify the division, but I cannot overlook Butler. He is a tough, powerful challenger, and I look forward to giving a tremendous show to the fans in Stockton and those watching on ESPN.”

Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) is a nine-year pro from Montreal, Canada. He captured the IBF North American belt via first-round knockout against Janks Trotter in 2016 before suffering his first defeat against then-undefeated Brandon Cook the following year. Butler bounced back with eight knockout victories before decisioning Vitalii Kopylenko to capture the WBC International middleweight title. The 27-year-old then traveled to Japan to challenge Ryota Murata for the WBA title in a valiant but unsuccessful effort. Butler is now coming off four wins, two of them by knockout.

Butler said, “No detail will be spared in this training camp. Expect a big upset on May 13. I am confident that I will bring the belt back to Quebec.”

Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) began his career in the paid ranks as a junior featherweight before moving down to 118 pounds in 2017. As a bantamweight, he scored three knockout wins in a row before losing to Emmanuel Rodriguez via split decision in his first world title opportunity. He then stopped four opponents in a row before challenging pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue for the unified bantamweight championship. Moloney is coming off four consecutive wins, including a third-round knockout over Filipino contender Aston Palicte.

“On May 13 I will become champion of the world. Nineteen years of hard work, countless sacrifices, and complete dedication to the sport all come down to this moment,” Moloney said. “Whatever it takes to have this world championship wrapped around my waist, nothing will stop me. I want to say a big thank you to Top Rank and my team for giving me this opportunity.” 

Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) is a 25-year-old native of the Philippines who burst onto the scene last year with a 10-round unanimous decision against former unified world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux. Last November, he dropped Nikolai Potapov three times before stopping him in the sixth round to earn a crack at his first world title.

“Ever since I started boxing my dream was to fight for a world title, and dreams do come true with hard work,” Astrolabio said. “I have played this moment over and over in my head, and I will not be denied the world title. I want to thank my promoter, Manny Pacquiao, and Sean Gibbons for getting me this WBO bantamweight world title shot.”

In undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

• In an eight-round middleweight bout, former U.S. amateur star Javier Martinez (8-0, 2 KOs) makes his 2023 debut. Martinez dominated the durable Marco Delgado last November in a career-best performance.
   
• Atlanta-based welterweight standout Brian Norman Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) comes back in an eight-rounder. Norman made his Top Rank debut in January with an eight-round decision over Rodrigo Damian Coria.
   
• Junior lightweight prospect Haven Brady Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs) makes his second appearance of 2023 in an eight-rounder. Brady turned back the gritty challenge of Ruben Cervera in January to improve to 9-0.

Janibek Alimkhanuly defended the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denzel Bentley at The Palms Hotel Casino on Las Vegas.

Alimkhanuly landed 189 of 535 punches. Bentley was 157 of 615.

Alimkhanuly, 159.6 lbs of Zhilandy. KAZ won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice and is now 13-0. Bentley, 159 lbs of London is 15-2-1.

Seniesa Estrada defended the WBA Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jazmin Gala Villarino.

Estrada, 103.3 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 23-0. Villarino, 105 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 6-2-2.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Julio Cesar Martinez in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Vargas dropped Martinez with a short but powerful left hook to the chin the folded Martinez under the bottom rope and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Vargas, 133.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-0 with two knockouts. Martinez, 134 lbs of South Bend, IN is 1-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Marco Antonio Delgado in a super middleweight bout.

Martnez, 162.6 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 8-0. Delgado, 162.6 lbs of Turlock, CA is 7-5.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Edgar Joe Cortes in a six-round junior featherweight bout,

In round four, Diaz landed a left to the top of the head that was followed by a right hook to the jaw that sent Cortes down. Cortes got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:14.

Diaz, 121.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with three knockouts. Cortes, 122.2 lbs of Vineland, NJ is 9-7-1.

Charlie Sheehy obliterated Markus Bowes in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bowes several times with hard right hands and then dropped him with the same punch. Sheehy ended things with a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:37.

Sheehy, 135 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Bowes, 135.6 lbs of Rosboro, NC is 2-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Esteban Sanchez in the eighth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a left hook that set off a flurry of punches that put Sanchez on the canvas.

In round four, Sanchez began to bleed from his nose.

In round eight, Sanchez was still taking shots and the fight was stopped at 1:02.

Balderas, 135.4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Sanchez, 135.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 18-3.

Antonio Mireles remained perfect with a first round stoppage of Eric Perry in a six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a heavy combination that put Perry down face first and he was not able to beat the 10-count at 2:26.

Mireles, 269.6 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 6-0 with six knockouts. Perry, 279.8 lbs of Toccoa, GA is 5-7-1.

•  Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.6 lbs vs. Denzel Bentley 159 lbs

(Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Seniesa Estrada 103.8 lbs vs. Jazmin Gala
Villarino 105 lbs 
(Estrada’s WBA Minimumweight World Title — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:15 p.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. PT)

   •  Raymond Muratalla 135 lbs vs. Miguel Contreras 135.2 lbs
 (Lightweight— 8 Rounds)

   •   Emiliano Fernando Vargas 133.8  lbs vs. Julio Cesar Martinez 134 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Javier Martinez 162.6 lbs vs. Marco Delgado 162.6 lbs 
(Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Floyd Diaz 122.4 lbs vs. Edgar Joe Cortes 122.2 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Charlie Sheehy 135 lbs vs. Markus Bowes 135.6 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

   •    Karlos Balderas 135.4 lbs vs. Esteban Sanchez 135.2 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Antonio Mireles 269.6 lbs vs. Eric Perry 279.8 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 3, 2022) — Boxing’s most avoided world champion finally has a dance partner.

WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly, a southpaw power puncher from Kazakhstan, will make the first defense of his title against two-time British champion Denzel Bentley on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, undefeated pound-for-pound queen Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada will defend her WBA minimumweight world title against Jazmin Gala Villarino.

Janibek-Bentley, Estrada-Villarino, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, tickets starting at $25 go on sale Friday, Oct 7 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Janibek is the top middleweight in the world, and this fight will be the start of a long and accomplished championship reign,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I am thrilled to see Seniesa Estrada make her Top Rank debut. She is an exceptionally talented fighter and is poised to be a superstar in the sport for years to come.”

“Denzel Bentley is backing himself and completely believes he has got what it takes to win the WBO world middleweight championship from a formidable champion in Janibek Alimkhanuly,” said Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “It is a golden opportunity for Denzel to step up from being a respected British champion to starring on the world stage in Las Vegas.”

Janibek (12-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the express route to a world title. He fought in his first scheduled 10-rounder in his sixth pro fight, winning a pair of regional titles in a dominant showing over Cristian Olivas. Janibek’s last four bouts have been in Las Vegas, a quartet of knockouts that propelled him to the top of the middleweight heap. In 2021, he knocked out former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam to earn a shot at the WBO interim middleweight title. Janibek knocked out Danny Dignum in two devastating rounds to earn a shot at then-champion Demetrius Andrade. Janibek was elevated to world champion after Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his middleweight title.

“I give Denzel Bentley credit for accepting the challenge when so many fighters ran the other way,” Janibek said. “It is a great honor to defend my world title in Las Vegas at The Palms, and I will once again show the world what ‘Qazaq Style’ is about.”

Bentley (17-1-1, 14 KOs) makes his American debut following a recent run that saw him become king of the British middleweights for a second time. Last April, he suffered a stoppage loss to Felix Cash in a “Bubble” setting in front of limited spectators. Following a comeback victory over Sam Evans, he regained the British middleweight title with a 12-round split decision over the previously unbeaten Linus Udofia. “The Battersea Bomber” earned the shot at Janibek with a fourth-round TKO over Marcus Morrison last month. Bentley rebounded from being stunned in the opening round to bust up Morrison’s nose and open a cut over his right eye, forcing a corner stoppage. After perhaps his most dramatic victory, Bentley readies for the Las Vegas main event stage.

“It will be a good and exciting fight, and I think it is a fight I can win,” Bentley said. “So why not go out there and enjoy the theatrics of Las Vegas and come back with a world title? I genuinely believe I can beat him, and he is beatable. Everybody says he is scary, but I don’t see it. Maybe I am missing something. We will find out when we get in the ring.”

Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs), the latest fighting sensation from East Los Angeles, hopes to flash the two-handed power that has made her one of the sport’s must-see action stars. A two-weight world champion who has also won an interim world title at flyweight, Estrada returns from a nearly 11-month layoff to defend her minimumweight title for a second time. She won that title last March with one-sided decision over Anabel Ortiz, then captured the WBO light flyweight title less than four months later with a decision over Japan’s Tenaki Tsunami. Estrada moved back down to minimumweight last December and defended her title with a fourth-round stoppage over Maria Micheo Santizo. A women’s boxing pioneer who has been grinding in Southern California gyms since taking up the sport more than two decades ago, Estrada is set to resume her career with the backing of Top Rank and “The Worldwide Leader in Sports.”

Estrada said, “This is an exciting time for women’s boxing, and I am thrilled to be making my Top Rank on ESPN debut in Las Vegas against a worthy challenger in Villarino. I am entering the prime of my career and looking forward to unifying the championships in three weight classes. The newest chapter in my career begins November 12, and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

Villarino (6-1-2, 1 KO) enters her first world title opportunity having not tasted defeat since her 2016 pro debut. Last November, she traveled to Colombia and knocked out Venezuelan former world title challenger Yenifer Leon via seventh-round TKO. Leon also was stopped in five rounds by Estrada back in 2019. Villarino followed up the Leon triumph in March with a unanimous decision over Judith Vivanco in Vivanco’s home country of Mexico. She now enters enemy territory for a third straight fight in hopes of riding her road warrior mentality to a world title.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, to fight for a world title against a fellow warrior like Seniesa Estrada,” Villarino said. “I am thankful to Top Rank for the opportunity, and I am coming to Las Vegas to shock the boxing world. On November 12, a new champion will be crowned.”

In undercard action, undefeated lightweight prospect Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (15-0, 12 KOs) will fight in an eight-rounder. Muratalla is coming off a one-sided decision over Jair Valtierra.

Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (5-0, 5 KOs), a 6’9 heavyweight, will fight in his first scheduled six-rounder. Mireles has three consecutive second-round knockouts after scoring a pair of first-round stoppages to start his career.

Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (16-0, 13 KOs), who is coming off an epic decision victory over the previously undefeated Omar Aguilar in August, hopes to inch closer to title contention in an eight-rounder.

2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (13-1, 11 KOs) looks to make it five wins in a row in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Former U.S. amateur superstar Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (7-0, 2 KOs) returns in a six-rounder at super middleweight.

Lightweight Charlie Sheehy (4-0, 3 KOs), a fearsome puncher from the Bay Area, makes his fourth appearance of 2022 in a four-rounder.

About Palms Casino Resort 
Palms Casino Resort is making history as the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe. Palms Casino Resort features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. The resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; an expansive pool and spa area; wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatres 14-screen cinema and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums.

Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road. Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more information visit http://www.palms.com/ or the Palms Press Room. Follow Palms on social media  Facebook Twitter Instagram.

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