IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly is set to defend his titles against the unbeaten Anauel Ngamissegue on April 5th in Astana, Kazakhstan. This matchup raises eyebrows due to Ngamissegue’s relatively obscure status as an opponent. Born in the Congo, Ngamissegue carries an undefeated record of 14 wins, 9 of which came by knockout. However, his path to this championship fight is questionable, given that most boxing fans may struggle to recall any significant victories from his career.
The choice of Ngamissegue as the challenger has generated some criticism. Aside from a narrow victory over Fiodor Czerkaszyn in 2023, which itself was a closer contest than one would hope for, Ngamissegue’s victories lack the luster that many expect from a title bout. His last fight, a third-round knockout against Sandro Jajanidze, should have been a showcase of his skills, yet it merely highlights the scarcity of formidable opponents available for Alimkhanuly. The boxing world is left to ponder why a champion of Janibek’s caliber is being matched with a less-than-illustrious contender.
The middleweight division currently appears stagnant, contributing to the overall mediocrity of the matchups being offered. Prominent names such as Hamzah Sheeraz, Chris Eubank Jr., and Shane Mosley Jr. could elevate the excitement and competition in the division, yet they are notably reluctant to face Alimkhanuly. It raises a critical question about the talent pool: Are these fighters merely avoiding a potential knockout loss against a capable champion, or is the division devoid of genuine star power?
Alimkhanuly’s recent performances have not ingratiated him with fans either. His fight in October against Andrei Mikhailovich ended in a ninth-round knockout, but the apparent mismatch had little entertainment value. This disconnect between ability and fan engagement is troubling, especially when viewed against the backdrop of boxing’s rich history where champions were celebrated for thrilling contests. The best name on Janibek’s resume appears to be Denzel Bentley, a fight that saw him grind out a unanimous decision victory in 2022. Even in that bout, Alimkhanuly faced persistent challenges, as Bentley managed to go the full distance despite absorbing considerable punishment.
As Janibek Alimkhanuly prepares for his upcoming title defense, the boxing community watches with an air of skepticism. For a champion who possesses the necessary skills and talent to elevate the middleweight division, the current trajectory raises concerns over whether he will indeed find worthy rivals or continue to face increasingly obscure challengers. Without engaging in exciting and competitive fights, Alimkhanuly risks fading into obscurity, much like many talented champions who were once dominant figures in their sport. The time has come for a reassessment of competitive matchups in middleweight boxing, lest the entire division languish in mediocrity.