Janibek Alimkhanuly's decision to move up to super middleweight is a bold move, one that could pay off handsomely but also comes with a host of challenges. 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: bigger fights, bigger purses, and the potential for a substantial payday. But the path to super middleweight is laden with obstacles, and the question remains: is this move a calculated risk or a leap of faith?
Alimkhanuly's move to 168 pounds is not without precedent. Many fighters have successfully transitioned from middleweight to super middleweight, but it's a delicate balance. The division is already crowded with established contenders, and reaching the top of the heap may require more time and patience than Alimkhanuly has. The financial upside is undeniable, but the competition is fierce, and the road to a title shot could be longer than anticipated.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this move is the potential for a title shot against IBF champion Osleys Iglesias. Iglesias is a formidable opponent, known for his powerful punching ability. Facing a fighter of Iglesias' caliber would be a significant test for Alimkhanuly, one that could make or break his career. But it's a risk worth taking, as a victory against Iglesias could catapult Alimkhanuly to the top of the division.
However, the move to super middleweight also raises questions about Alimkhanuly's ability to compete at a higher weight class. His toughest performance as a middleweight came against Denzel Bentley, who pushed him to the limit over 12 rounds. Bentley's clean shots and relentless pace forced Alimkhanuly to work at a pace that left him looking tired in the second half. Since then, Alimkhanuly has had some successful victories, but they have done little to answer the question of how he compares against the elite fighters waiting at 168 pounds.
One thing that immediately stands out is the lack of fights against top names in the middleweight division, such as Carlos Adames and Yoenli Hernandez. These fights would have provided valuable insight into Alimkhanuly's ability to compete at the highest level. Instead, he has chosen to test himself in a heavier weight class, which may lead to the biggest purse of his career but also forces him to rebuild his position from the ground up.
The move also comes with the burden of a one-year suspension following a positive VADA test for meldonium. This suspension may make it harder to secure the marquee fights he's chasing, as promoters and fans alike may be hesitant to take a chance on a fighter returning from a lengthy layoff. The rewards at 168 pounds are much greater, but so are the obstacles.
In my opinion, Alimkhanuly's move to super middleweight is a calculated risk. The financial upside is clear, but the competition is fierce, and the road to a title shot could be longer than anticipated. The lack of fights against top names in the middleweight division raises questions about his ability to compete at a higher weight class, and the burden of a one-year suspension may make it harder to secure the marquee fights he's chasing. Nevertheless, the potential for a title shot against IBF champion Osleys Iglesias is a significant draw, and a victory against Iglesias could catapult Alimkhanuly to the top of the division.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the financial incentives and the competitive challenges. The potential for a substantial payday is a powerful motivator, but the risk of a lengthy layoff and the difficulty of securing marquee fights cannot be overlooked. It's a delicate balance, and only time will tell if Alimkhanuly's move to super middleweight will pay off.
One thing is certain: Alimkhanuly is taking a risk, and the outcome could have a significant impact on his career. The move to super middleweight is a bold move, and only time will tell if it will lead to the biggest purse of his career or a lengthy layoff. But one thing is certain: Alimkhanuly is a fighter who is willing to take risks, and that's what makes boxing so captivating.
