Janibek Alimkhanuly's decision to move up to super middleweight is a bold move, but one that could pay off handsomely. With the potential for bigger purses and more high-profile fights, the Kazakhstani boxer is chasing the financial rewards that come with stepping into a new weight class. However, the path to success at 168 pounds is fraught with challenges, and Alimkhanuly's journey could be a long and winding one.
Alimkhanuly's move to super middleweight is an attempt to capitalize on the financial opportunities that come with stepping into a new weight class. With the potential for bigger purses and more high-profile fights, the 33-year-old boxer is chasing the financial rewards that come with stepping into a new weight class. However, the path to success at 168 pounds is fraught with challenges, and Alimkhanuly's journey could be a long and winding one.
One of the biggest challenges facing Alimkhanuly is the crowded nature of the super middleweight division. With established contenders like Hamzah Sheeraz, Jaime Munguia, and Christian Mbilli, Alimkhanuly will need to work hard to establish himself as a contender. The financial upside is obvious, but the competition is fierce, and Alimkhanuly will need to prove himself against the best in the division to earn a shot at the title.
Another challenge facing Alimkhanuly is the fact that he is returning from a one-year suspension following a positive VADA test for meldonium. This will make it harder for him to secure marquee fights and establish himself as a top contender in the division. The rewards at 168 pounds are much greater, but so are the obstacles.
Alimkhanuly's move to super middleweight also raises questions about his ability to compete against the elite fighters in the division. His toughest performance as a middleweight came against Denzel Bentley in 2022, and he will need to prove himself against the best in the division to earn a shot at the title. The move may lead to the biggest purse of his career, but it also forces him to rebuild his position from the ground up.
In my opinion, Alimkhanuly's move to super middleweight is a risky one, but it could pay off handsomely if he can establish himself as a contender in the division. The financial upside is obvious, but the competition is fierce, and Alimkhanuly will need to prove himself against the best in the division to earn a shot at the title. The rewards at 168 pounds are much greater, but so are the obstacles.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Alimkhanuly is returning from a one-year suspension, which will make it harder for him to secure marquee fights and establish himself as a top contender in the division. However, if he can prove himself against the best in the division, he could earn a shot at the title and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the super middleweight division.
