It was always going to be an uphill task for Danny Dignum, and it proved just that at Resorts World in Las Vegas, as Janibek Alimkhanuly claimed the interim WBO world middleweight title with a ruthless second round knockout win.
Alimkhanuly (12-0, 8 KOs) was a top amateur, and came into this one unbeaten in his first eleven contests. Dignum (14-1-1, 8 KOs) was also undefeated, and had held the WBO European trinket to give him a lofty ranking, but there was an evident gulf in class between the pair on the night.
The Essex man was no match for the Rio Olympian in this one, and the ending brutally came just over two minutes into the second frame.
‘Qazak Style’ buzzed Dignum with a big left hand, and as the 30-year-old dipped under fire, he was nailed by a huge left uppercut that had him out cold, and there was no need for a count.
The situation is currently clouded at 160 pounds, with current champion Demetrius Andrade pulling out of a scheduled 168lb clash with Zach Parker in Derby this month with injury. It’s unclear weather ‘Boo Boo’ will vacate.
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“I am in the ring right now, and I want to tell every champion in this weight class, I am here waiting for you,” Janibek said post-fight.
“I am asking every champion to come and fight me.
“I told [Dignum] I wish him luck in the future. I think he’s a good fighter. He showed good skills and has a big future.”
Herring retires after defeat to Ortiz
The undercard could have well seen the end of the road for Jamel Herring, as the former world champion at super featherweight was out-hustled by Jamaine Ortiz over ten rounds, who defended his NABF lightweight title, and added the vacant USBA strap.
Herring (23-4, 11 KOs) looked out of rhythm, and it reflected in his performance, with Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs) taking the win by two scores of 97-93, and a third at 96-94.
Herring announced his retirement on social media following the fight, saying:
“I love this sport, but I owe it to my family to quit putting them through these moments.
“Thank you all, whether you were with me out against me, you made me who I am, but it’s time. Semper Fi, Salute.”
I love this sport, but I owe it to my family to quit putting them through these moments. Thank you all, whether you were with or against me, you made me who I am, but it’s time. Semper Fi, salute 🫡
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) May 22, 2022
Remaining Undercard
Another former world champion on the bill was Jessie Magdaleno (29-1, 18 KOs), and he took all eight rounds of his super featherweight contest with Edy Valencia Mercado (19-7-6, 7 KOs).
Giovanni Cabrera continued his unbeaten streak, taking a points win over eight rounds against Elias Damian Araujo (21-5, 8 KOs).
Cabrera (20-0, 7 KOs) was deducted a point for holding in the sixth, but took the win by scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74.
The final eight rounder came at featherweight, where Adam Lopez (16-3, 6 KOs) took an eight round decision win against William Encarnacion (19-3, 15 KOs) by two scores of 77-74 and a third at 76-74.
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In six round action, 2020 US Olympian, Delante Johnson (4-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, scoring a third round stoppage at welterweight against Agustin Gerbaldo Kucharski (8-5-1, 3 KOs), and at super featherweight, Karlos Balderas (13-1, 11 KOs) took a six round decision win over Ruben Cervera (13-3, 11 KOs), by two margins of 58-54 and a third at 57-55.
2020 Olympic Silver medalist, Duke Ragan (6-0, 1 KO) took all four rounds of his featherweight contest with Victorino Gonzalez (5-3, 2 KOs).
