Janibek Alimkhanuly to Defend Titles in Historic Homecoming Against Ngamissengue

Janibek Alimkhanuly to Defend Unified Titles in Historic Homecoming Against Anauel Ngamissengue

WBO and IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly is set to make history as the first Kazakh unified champion to defend his titles on home soil. Alimkhanuly will face unbeaten Congolese challenger Anauel Ngamissengue on Saturday, April 5, at Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Promoted by Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank, the fight will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum praised Alimkhanuly as the “best middleweight in the world,” and expressed excitement about him defending his titles in front of his home fans. Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs) is a tough opponent, but Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) is confident in his ability to win and continue his path toward becoming the undisputed middleweight champion.

Janibek, a 2016 Olympian, has built an impressive career, unifying his world titles after defeating former champions and IBF titleholder Vincenzo Gualtieri. Now, he is eager to make his homecoming fight a historic one.

Ngamissengue, ranked No. 7 by the IBF, will have his first world title shot in Kazakhstan after an impressive rise in the ranks, including his 2023 victory over Fiodor Czerkaszyn. Despite respecting Janibek, Ngamissengue is determined to prove he belongs at the top.

“This is the most important moment of my career,” said Ngamissengue. “I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top.”