By: Sean Crose
It’s truthful to say the middleweight division isn’t what it was, as least not so far as capturing the general public consideration goes. A few of the largest 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 burden these aforementioned names do, there’s no denying the person has discovered success within the middleweight division. At 15-0, the 31 12 months outdated Kazakh warrior at present holds the WBO and IBF divisional titles.
Alimkhanuly shall be placing these belts, in addition to his undefeated document on the road Saturday night time in Las Vegas when he squares off towards the 21-0 Andrei Mikhailovich in a scheduled 12 rounder. After all, 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 any case, a realm ready for it’s subsequent huge identify to make its presence felt. No small factor.
But reaching divisional dominance is not any simple process. 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 critical harm. Alimkhanuly additionally does a high quality job tossing out punches in mixtures. He’s stopped 10 out of fifteen opponents inside the distance, in any case. With a view to win this weekend, Mikhaiovich must preserve the defending titlist from touchdown effectively. Therein, nevertheless, lies the rub – for Alimkhanuly is infamous for locating a option to land onerous on his opponents, particularly with regards to his vicious uppercut.
