Promoter Bob Arum feels he must match IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly in opposition to the opposite champions at 160 to take his profession to the following stage if he’s victorious in his title protection in opposition to Andrei Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) this Saturday, July thirteenth on the Pearl Live performance Theater at Palms On line casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Arum has his work reduce out to make a reputation for the 31-year-old Janibek as a result of the middleweight division lacks stars. One technique to turn out to be a family title could be for Janibek to struggle three to 4 occasions a yr, as Gennadiy Golovkin did early in his profession to turn out to be a star in america.
Nonetheless, it’s questionable whether or not Prime Rank has sufficient dates on ESPN for Janibek to struggle that steadily with out taking undercard slots, which could not be doable. The cash he would get combating in these positions would probably be much less.
Securing Excessive-Profile Fights
Arum is in a tricky place with Janibek as a result of the opposite champions gained’t be wanting to struggle him, particularly if he seems to be good on Saturday evening in opposition to Mikhailovich. Janibek is a harmful southpaw with no actual fan base.
There’s no upside for anybody to struggle him as a result of he checks each field for somebody to be prevented. Nobody needs to struggle southpaws, and what’s the purpose in the event that they’re harmful and the cash isn’t there?
Saturday evening’s Janibek vs. Mikhailovich occasion on ESPN+ at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT.
“The issue is there aren’t many prime middleweights from America. In order that greats burdens,” stated promoter Bob Arum to the Sean Zittel YouTube channel on the issue that he has in turning IBF/WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly right into a star.
Potential Matchups and Monetary Concerns
“There are some nice middleweights around the globe. For instance, there’s the English child Sheeraz [Hamzah], who we’re trying ahead to. Adames is one other potential man [for Janibek] and Lara. Assuming he will get by [Andrei] Mikhailovich, he solely needs the massive fights, and whether or not they’re going to be right here or in Saudi Arabia or in Riyadh or England, that’s to be decided,” stated Arum.
With out the Saudis providing one of many prime fighters a mountain of cash to struggle Janibek, the names that Arum talked about are extra wishful pondering. These guys aren’t prone to struggle him as a result of they’re higher off taking the low-level fights and milking their titles. Sheeraz seems to be heading towards combating WBC champion Adames, who seems to be very beatable.
“I believe it’s most likely too costly to go on that card,” stated Arum when requested if Janibek can struggle WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames or WBA champion Erislandy Lara on the undercard of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs. Vasily Lomachenko in November.”
It could be nice for Janibek to get a prestigious co-feature spot on the Tank Davis vs. Vasily Lomachenko card in November or December. Arum is correct. Janibek could be too costly if he fought a unification struggle with one of many champions.
“If you happen to ask me if both of these fights may be made with PBC, the reply is sure, however I wouldn’t count on it to be on that card as a result of I don’t assume that Tank or Loma would need that as a result of they share within the income from the struggle. That might take out a variety of income,” stated Arum about Janibek not prone to be added to the Tank vs. Lomachenko undercard.
The easiest way for Arum to show Janibek right into a star could be to maneuver him as much as tremendous middleweight, put him in with David Benavidez, and hope for one of the best. Given how dangerous Janibek appeared in his struggle in opposition to Denzel Bentley, he could be no match for Benavidez or any of the highest 168-pounders.
