Janibek Alimkhanuly successfully defended his IBF middleweight crown in Sydney, as he systematically broke down the brave Andrei Mikhailovich for a ninth round stoppage at The Star.
Janibek looked on the verge of an early stoppage after flooring Mikhailovich in the second round, but had to bide his time before wiping him out in the ninth.
The meeting between the two was originally slated to take place in Las Vegas in July, but the undefeated Kazakh couldn’t make the weight safely, and the fight had to be postponed with just a day until fight night.
Only the IBF crown was on the line here, after a late dispute over the WBO belt being at stake.
Janibek (16-0, 11 KOs) found his range early, landing with a pawing jab and with shots to the body in the opener, with Mikhailovich (21-1, 13 KOs) attempting to rough the champion up.
‘Qazaq Style’ was waiting patiently for his opening, and that came in the second, when a superbly-timed shot had the challenger on unsteady legs, and as the champion applied surgical pressure, he began to play with the New Zealander, who was tottering until another massive left hand had him reeling backwards, and eventually to the canvas.
That was right on the bell, and the minute’s rest was timely, as Mikhailovich battled admirably in the third and fourth, constantly coming forward.
Janibek was largely toying with his opponent, with his rival having limited success, but he stepped on the gas in round seven, landing heavy combinations.
The 26-year-old was brave though, having small pockets of joy with clubbing blows, but his race was run in the ninth, as Janibek uncorked his customary left uppercuts, and with Mikhailovich heading backwards towards the ropes, the referee correctly stopped the contest.
The 31-year-old has been frustrated in his attempts to secure a unification clash, but once again called out WBC champion, Carlos Adames and WBA titlist, Erislandy Lara.
“Adames or Lara, I’m ready any time,” he told Fox Sports post-fight.
“Send me a paper and I’ll sign it any time.”
Motu sees off O’Connell
Another unbeaten Kiwi was in action on the card, and Mea Motu (20-0, 8 KOs) warmed up for a shot at the IBF and WBO super bantamweight titles, as she forced the corner of Shannon O’Connell to retire their charge at the end of three rounds of their catchweight bout.
The reigning IBO champion is lined up to face Ellie Scotney on October 26 in Manchester, and she was ruthless in some heavy, two-fisted assaults that broke a bloody O’Connell (24-8-1, 12 KOs) down.
With the Aussie sporting a huge cut as well as a massive swelling on her head, her corner wisely threw the towel in.
Statement made by Mea Motu 😲#nolimitboxing #nolimitonfox #janibekmikhailovich pic.twitter.com/R5fvGVrlrE
— No Limit Boxing (@NoLimit_Boxing) October 4, 2024
Remaining Undercard
Lightweight prospect Charlie Kazzi (7-0, 3 KOs) took the WBC Silver Australasian title as he took a stoppage win against Lui Magaiva (4-7, 1 KO) in the penultimate frame of their meeting set for eight.
Ahmed Reda (3-0, 3 KOs) opened the card, and scored a third straight early win, halting Joe Kara (5-7-1, 5 KOs) in the second of their scheduled six rounder at lightweight.
