Janibek Alimkhanuly's decision to move up to super middleweight is a bold move, one that could pay off handsomely but also comes with significant risks. At 33 years old, Alimkhanuly is embarking on a new chapter in his career, leaving behind the middleweight division where he once held a champion's belt. The financial incentives are clear: super middleweight offers bigger purses and the potential for more high-profile fights. However, the path to these rewards is fraught with challenges, particularly for a fighter returning from a one-year suspension due to a positive VADA test for meldonium.
Alimkhanuly's move to 168 pounds places him in a crowded division, where established contenders like Hamzah Sheeraz, Jaime Munguia, and Christian Mbilli are already vying for title shots. The leading contenders have their own plans and mandatory obligations, making it difficult for Alimkhanuly to secure the marquee fights he seeks. While the financial upside is undeniable, the competition is fierce, and the journey to the top could be a long one.
One potential target for Alimkhanuly is IBF champion Osleys Iglesias, but this would be a risky first major test. Iglesias has developed into one of the division's biggest punchers, and facing him immediately could be a step too far for a fighter returning from a lengthy layoff. Alimkhanuly's toughest performance as a middleweight came against Denzel Bentley in 2022, and the questions surrounding his ability to compete at the elite level remain unanswered.
The move to super middleweight may lead to the biggest purse of Alimkhanuly's career, but it also forces him to rebuild his position from the ground up. The suspension may make it harder to secure the marquee fights he's chasing, and the rewards at 168 are much greater, but so are the obstacles. Alimkhanuly's decision to test himself in a heavier weight class is a bold move, but one that could ultimately define his career.
From my perspective, Alimkhanuly's move to super middleweight is a fascinating development in the boxing world. It raises questions about the balance between financial incentives and competitive challenges, and it highlights the risks and rewards of pursuing bigger opportunities. Personally, I think that Alimkhanuly's decision to move up in weight class is a strategic move, but one that will require patience and perseverance. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Alimkhanuly to become a dominant force in a new division, but also the possibility of a disappointing outcome if he fails to adjust to the new weight class. In my opinion, the move to super middleweight is a calculated risk, and only time will tell if it will pay off for Alimkhanuly.
