Janibek Alimkhanuly made weight for the IBF’s secondary 10-lb weight check today and is ready to defend his IBF middleweight title against Andrei Mikhailovich tonight, October 4, at The Star in Sydney, Australia. In a photo of Janibek on social media, he thin for the 10-lb rehydration limit check.
Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs) looked a lot bigger and older than Mikhailovich during their face-off at the weigh-in and the final press conference. They’re supposed to be the same height at 6’0″, but that’s not accurate.
Mikhailovich appears to be around 5’10” and not as sturdy. He’s not a knockout puncher like Janibek, so he’s going to have to find a different way to win tonight.
The Janibek-Mikhailovich event will be shown live on ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 5:00 a.m. ET/2:00 a.m. PT.
“When you beat the dog, you become the dog. I always knew I was going to fight for the world title, irrespective of what people said. To fight Janibek is awesome,” said Mikhailovich to Fighthype. “It’s a real honor to me and a real privilege. I think he’s a great fighter.
“To share the ring with him is fantastic. I’m really proud and really happy. Janibek is serious business. He’s as serious as hell. He’s from the Eastern Bloc. They’re tough, hard people. I’m from the Eastern Bloc too, but I also have the Kiwi swagger to me. That’s the only difference.
“I’m still from the same cloth as he is, but don’t get it twisted with all the playfulness and silliness. If you take yourself so serious, it’s boring. People want to have fun. I want to have fun. I don’t drink, and I don’t gamble. I have fun winding people up.
“Plus, it’s all a big play. In 72 hours’ time or a week’s time, there will be another big thing. People will forget about me and about Janibek until I fight again. It’s a constant cycle. You have to enjoy it while you’re doing it.
“I believe he’s humble. If you listen to what I say, I haven’t said one bad word about him. I’m just here to have fun,” said Mihailovich.
We are ready 😤 pic.twitter.com/3Ye7caa2N9
— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@qazaqstyle) October 4, 2024
