Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (12-0, 8 KOs) has been named the WBO middleweight world champion.
Previous champion, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade forfeited the belt when he didn’t make a mandatory defense against Janibek.
“I am honored to be the first WBO world champion from Kazakhstan. As middleweight champion, I will represent my nation with great pride,” said Janibek.
Janibek will make the first defense of his world title later this year on a Top Rank on ESPN card.
“Demetrius Andrade had no interest in fighting me. I wanted to fight him because I know I would knock him out. He ran away to super middleweight to avoid fighting me. But don’t worry, Demetrius. After I unify the belts at middleweight, we can fight.”
