IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly is set to defend his titles against unbeaten challenger Anauel Ngamissegue on April 5th in Astana, Kazakhstan. This matchup has raised eyebrows for several reasons. While fans generally expect thrilling contests featuring well-known fighters, this fight appears to diverge from that norm. With Ngamissegue, a 29-year-old fighter hailing from the Congo, boasting a career record of 14 wins with only 9 knockouts, the choice of opponent has left many questioning the rationale behind it.
Ngamissegue’s résumé showcases just a single notable victory: a disputed eight-round decision win against Fiodor Czerkaszyn back in 2023. Since that moment, he has competed only once, securing a third-round knockout against Sandro Jajanidze, a fighter with a dismal record of 12 wins and 32 losses. This has not only cast doubt on his readiness to challenge for a world title but also emphasized the frustrating landscape of the middleweight division where Alimkhanuly reigns.
What stands out prominently is the lack of appealing contenders within the middleweight category. Alimkhanuly’s camp seems to have opted for a low-risk title defense rather than seeking bouts with higher-profile opponents. The absence of recognizable stars like Hamzah Sheeraz, Chris Eubank Jr., and Shane Mosley Jr. from Alimkhanuly’s schedule begs the question: why aren’t these fighters attempting to prove their mettle against a champion renowned for his skill?
Currently, the middleweight division faces stagnation. The fighters that are considered top-tier in today’s context may not even have competed at a competitive level compared to previous champions like Canelo Alvarez or Gennadiy Golovkin. This mismatch of talent raises concerns about the overall appeal and caliber of fights currently being served to boxing fans—implying that perhaps the division is in a state of decline.
Janibek Alimkhanuly has demonstrated immense skill in the ring; his knockout victory over Andrei Mikhailovich last October displayed his prowess, albeit in a fight that left viewers wanting more. The one-sided nature of that bout highlighted the challenges of securing engaging matches in a dwindling talent pool. Furthermore, the most significant name to grace Alimkhanuly’s record thus far is Denzel Bentley, a fighter who managed to survive the distance with him despite absorbing substantial damage.
The necessity for champions to elevate their standing through high-caliber fights cannot be overstated. Fans anticipate intense showdowns that live up to the grand heritage of boxing; unfortunately, Alimkhanuly’s upcoming title defense seems far from that ideal. As the middleweight division continues to grapple with a dearth of talent and visibility, fan interest will inevitably wane, reflecting a deeper crisis that could affect the sport long-term.