By: Sean Crose
It’s honest to say the middleweight division isn’t what it was once, as least not so far as capturing the general public consideration goes. A few of the greatest names in boxing historical past have been middleweight titlists. Bob Fitzsimons, Harry Greb, Tony Zale, Ray Robinson, Carlos Monzon, Marvin Hagler, and Gennady Golovkin have introduced status and fame to the middleweight division. Though the identify Zhanibek Alimkhanuly doesn’t carry the load these aforementioned names do, there’s no denying the person has discovered success within the middleweight division. At 15-0, the 31 12 months previous Kazakh warrior at the moment holds the WBO and IBF divisional titles.
Alimkhanuly will likely be placing these belts, in addition to his undefeated file on the road Saturday night time in Las Vegas when he squares off towards the 21-0 Andrei Mikhailovich in a scheduled 12 rounder. In fact, a lot of the eye this weekend is concentrated on Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ protection of his welterweight title in Philadelphia, however that doesn’t imply Alimkhanuly and Mikhailovich don’t have the possibility to shine in entrance of ESPN+ cameras. That is the middleweight division in spite of everything, a realm ready for it’s subsequent huge identify to make its presence felt. No small factor.
But reaching divisional dominance isn’t any straightforward job. Nonetheless, whereas Alimkhanuly hasn’t met any huge names, he’s actually impressed. Using a low southpaw jab and good footwork, the person has a left that may do severe harm. Alimkhanuly additionally does a tremendous job tossing out punches in mixtures. He’s stopped 10 out of fifteen opponents throughout the distance, in spite of everything. So as to win this weekend, Mikhaiovich should hold the defending titlist from touchdown effectively. Therein, nonetheless, lies the rub – for Alimkhanuly is infamous for locating a option to land onerous on his opponents, particularly in relation to his vicious uppercut.
