Janibek Alimkhanuly's decision to move up to super middleweight is a bold move, one that could pay off handsomely but also comes with a host of challenges. At 33 years old, Alimkhanuly is embarking on a new chapter in his career, leaving behind the middleweight division where he once held a championship title. The financial incentives are clear: super middleweight offers bigger purses and the potential for more high-profile fights. However, the path to these lucrative opportunities is fraught with obstacles, and Alimkhanuly's journey to the top of the super middleweight division may be a longer and more difficult one than he anticipated.
Alimkhanuly's move is not without precedent. Many fighters have successfully transitioned to heavier weight classes, but it often requires a certain level of patience and strategic planning. The super middleweight division is a crowded one, with established contenders like Hamzah Sheeraz, Jaime Munguia, and Christian Mbilli already holding strong positions. These fighters have their own title plans and mandatory obligations, making it difficult for Alimkhanuly to break into the top ranks immediately.
One potential target for Alimkhanuly is IBF champion Osleys Iglesias, who is known for his powerful punching ability. However, facing a champion like Iglesias would be a significant test for Alimkhanuly, especially after a one-year suspension due to a positive VADA test for meldonium. This layoff could impact his performance and make it harder to secure marquee fights.
Alimkhanuly's toughest performance as a middleweight came against Denzel Bentley in 2022, where Bentley pushed him to the limit over 12 rounds. Since then, Alimkhanuly has won several fights, but these victories have not provided a clear indication of how he compares to the elite fighters at super middleweight. The absence of fights against strong names like Carlos Adames and Yoenli Hernandez in the middleweight division also leaves questions about Alimkhanuly's capabilities at the new weight class.
The move to super middleweight may offer financial rewards, but it also forces Alimkhanuly to rebuild his position from the ground up. The challenges of securing marquee fights after a suspension and the crowded nature of the division could make it difficult for him to climb the ranks quickly. Despite the potential for bigger purses, the obstacles at super middleweight are significant, and Alimkhanuly will need to navigate them carefully if he wants to achieve his goals.
In my opinion, Alimkhanuly's decision to move up to super middleweight is a risky but potentially rewarding move. The financial incentives are clear, but the path to success is fraught with challenges. The super middleweight division is a crowded one, and Alimkhanuly will need to prove himself against the best fighters in the division if he wants to achieve his goals. The move also raises questions about his ability to recover from the suspension and perform at a high level. Only time will tell if Alimkhanuly's move will pay off, but it is certainly an interesting development in the world of boxing.
