Janibek Alimkhanuly stopped Vincenzo Gualtieri in round six to retain his WBO and win the IBF Middleweight title at the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas.

Alimkhanuly hurt Gualtieri in round five with a devastating left uppercut. In round six, it was another uppercut that hurt Gualtieri that made him stumble to the corner and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Alimkhanuly, 159.3 lbs of Kazakhstan is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Gualtieri, 159.5 lbs of Germany is 21-1-1.

Janibek said, “This is my style of fighting. This is Qazaq style, and this is what I will continue to do.
 
“We knew from the beginning that he wasn’t going to fight back. He was waiting because he thought I was going to get tired. But I didn’t get tired.
 
“We would like to add another two belts to this collection. We hope that our promoter Top Rank can organize that.”
 
Gualtieri said, “Congratulations to Janibek. He was better tonight. But I think it was a little bit early to end the fight. But he was better today.

Keyshawn Davis won a 10-round majority decision over Nahir Albright in a lightweight bout.

Davis landed 139 of 331 punches. Albright was 92 of 425.

Davis, 135 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 10-0. Albright, 134.9 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 16-3.

Davis said, “I had it as a win for me. That’s all that matters. He was a tough fighter. And this fight today gave me some good experience. I was feeling good. I was just boxing. I was just having fun and doing what I want to do.
 
“I just want to show that I belong at the top of the 135-pound division. I’m working my way up there. If Jose Pedraza is willing to take a fight with me, then let’s do it.”

Richard Torrez Jr. remained perfect by stopping Tyrell Anthony Herndon in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Torrez dropped Herndon with a hard 1-2 combination. Torrez jumped all over Herndon and landed an assault and the fight was stopped when Herndon turned his back at 1:26.

Torrez, 233.1 lbs of Talure, CA is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Herndon, 234.8 lbs of San Antonio is 21-5.

Torrez said, “This is a process. Top Rank has the best matchmakers, and I fight whoever they put in front of me. If they say I’m ready to fight eight-rounders next, I’ll be ready.
 
“I’m not expecting knockouts. When I don’t expect them, that’s when they happen. It’s a Catch 22. If I expect the knockouts, then they don’t happen. I just want to show my boxing ability, and I got two rounds in this time. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Guido Vianello won an eight-round unanimous decision over Curtis Harper in a heavyweight bout.

Vianello, 241.3 lbs of Rome, ITA won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 11-1-1. Harper, 275.5 lbs of Clarksville, TN is

Giovanni Marquez remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage over Donte Strayhorn in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Marquez dropped Staryhorn with two right uppercuts. Seconds later, it was a vicious four punch combination that was punctuated by a left hook that put Strayhorn on the deck. Marquez ended things by landing seven unanswered punches that finished the fight at 2:47.

Marquez, 141.3 lbs of Houston, TX is 7-0 with five knockouts. Strayhorn, 140.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 12-5-1.

Duke Ragan got off the deck to win a eight-round split-decision over Jose Perez in a featherweight bout.

In round five, Pere landed a big left hook that dropped Ragan. Ragan was cut on his right cheekbone. In round seven, Perez was cut over his right eye.

Ragan, 125.3 lbs of Cincinatti, OH was coming off a year layoff, and won by scores of 76-75 twice, while Perez took a card 76-75.

Ragan is now 10-0. Perez, 126.4 lbs of Oak Hill, CA is 11-2-2.

Kelvin Davis remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Narcisco Carmona in a junior welterweight. fight.

Davis, 142 lbs. of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 80-72, 79=73 and 77-75 and is now 10-0. Carmona, 142.6 lbs of Servilla, SPA is 11-2-1.

Alan Garcia remained with a six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Hampton in a junior welterweight fight.

Garcia, 137.8 lbs of Ulysses, KN won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-0. Hampton, 137.3 lbs of McAllen, TX is 10-8.

Oscar Bravo and Humberto Galindo fought to a eight-round majority draw in a junior lightweight fight.

In round three, Galindo was deducted a point for a low blow. In round four, Bravo was deducted a point for holding.

Scores were 76-74 for Galindo and 75-75 twice.

Bravo, 130.8 lbs of Sabtiago, CHL is 25-13-1. Gallindo, 131.7 lbs of Tijuan, MEX is 14-3-2.

Jakhungir Zokirov made a successful pro debut with a fourth-round stoppage over Guillermo Del Rio in the final scheduled round of their heavyweight bout.

In round one, Zokirov dropped Del Rio with a left hand.

In round four, Zokirov dropped Del Rio Again with another straight left and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Zokirov, 263.5 lbs of Uzbekistan is 1-0 with one knockout. Del Rio, 217.1 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 4-5-1.

ROSENBERG, Texas (Oct. 12, 2023) — The Middleweight Boogeyman is ready for his opportunity to unify titles.

WBO world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (14-0, 9 KOs) will square off against unbeaten IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) in a title unification showdown this Saturday at Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas. 

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) takes another step up in class against Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright (16-2, 7 KOs).

Janibek-Gualtieri and Davis-Albright will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:55 p.m. ET/2:55 p.m. PT) features U.S. Olympic silver medal heavyweight standout Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon (21-4, 14 KOs).

Houston native Giovanni Marquez (6-0, 4 KOs) will take on Donte Strayhorn (12-4-1, 4 KOs) in a junior welterweight tilt scheduled for six rounds, and U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (8-0, 1 KOs) returns in an eight-round featherweight clash against Jose Perez (11-1-2, 5 KOs).

Junior welterweight prospect Kelvin Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), Keyshawn’s older brother, will make his third appearance of 2023 in an eight-rounder against Narciso Carmona (11-1-1, 6 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with AGON Sports & Events, tickets are on sale now via ETix. 

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Janibek Alimkhanuly 

“It’s going to be a very good fight. I want to thank my opponent for bringing his title into this battle. I expect it to be a very good fight on Saturday night. I will once again show what ‘Qazaq Style’ is.”

“I changed my trainer for this fight. We got all the knowledge that we could from Buddy McGirt. And now we have a new trainer in Brian Viloria. We are doing new workouts and learning new things. We’re also adding things to my style. On Saturday night, you’ll see a new side of me.”

“My new trainer was a world champion, so he knows what this is about. It was our first camp together, so we couldn’t add too much. But I’ll show what I learned in the ring on Saturday night.”

Vincenzo Gualtieri

“I am happy to be here. It has always been my dream to have a fight here in the United States. Now, my dream has come true, and I expect to be the winner on Saturday.”

“For this fight, I had more sparring partners than in previous camps, and I’ve been more focus than ever before. I have invested everything in this training camp.”

“This fight means everything to me. It’s why I worked so hard in camp. A lot of people underestimate me, but I’m here to prove that I will be successful.” 

Keyshawn Davis

“I feel great. I feel the best that I’ve ever felt. I’ve made a lot of adjustments. We followed the game plan in training camp. And, honestly, this is the best I’ve ever felt before a fight.”

“If you miss it, you’re going to see it all over social. His a** is going to be on SportsCenter and Sky Sports. He’s really a rookie. I’m going to show it.”

“We ain’t coming here to play. He already knows how I’m coming. You don’t have to be scared to get f**ked up!”

Nahir Albright 

“I didn’t really learn anything in my last fight {against Karlos Balderas}. I just showed where I belong. I came out and did what I was supposed to do and got the win.”

“Every time I walk into the ring, I think about my daughter. It’s motivation. It’s motivation during training camp. And I always bring that energy with me.”

“We stepped it up in sparring. I got all types of sparring. I got sparring from my little brother, Quadir Albright, as well. He’s the best junior welterweight coming up.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I think what you can expect is very similar to what you’ve seen. I’m going to try to push the pace, throw lots of feints and dictate the fight. At the end of the day, you can put anybody in there and Richard Torrez is still going to be in the ring as well. So, I’m not really worried about what my opponent has to offer. I’m more concerned with what I bring to the table.”

Giovanni Marquez

“I’m extremely excited. This is a great opportunity. I’m excited to see all my friends, family and hometown fans. And I’m ready to just go out there and put all my hard training to use and give the fans a spectacular performance.”

Saturday, October 14

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri, 12 rounds, WBO/IBF Middleweight World Title Unification 

Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright, 10 rounds, USBA/WBO International/WBC USA Lightweight Titles

ESPN+ (5:55 p.m. ET/2:55 p.m. PT)

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Jakhongir Zokirov vs. Guillermo Del Rio, 4 rounds heavyweight

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Janibek vs. Gualtieri will be presented live this Saturday, October 14, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ from Fort Bend Epicenter, Rosenberg, Texas.

In the main event, reigning WBO world champion, Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly, will lock horns against unbeaten IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in a title unification showdown.

Janibek (14-0, 9 KOs) is a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, who took the fast lane to top of the division. He became world champion in 2022 and has made two defenses, beating British champion Denzel Bentley via unanimous decision last November and Canadian contender Steven Butler via second-round stoppage in May.

Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) debuted as a professional in October 2015. He went 15-0 before fighting to a draw against fellow unbeaten German Thomas Piccirillo in August 2020. He captured the vacant IBF middleweight world title this year with a unanimous decision win against then-undefeated Brazilian Esquiva Falcao.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist from Virginia, Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), takes another step up in class against Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright (16-2, 7 KOs). This past July, Davis shut out former European champion Francesco Patera via 10-round unanimous decision, while Albright is coming off an upset majority decision win against U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas.

The undercard features U.S. Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) making his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round heavyweight battle against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon (21-4, 14 KOs). Torrez hopes to notch his third first-round victory of the year after first-round stoppages over James Bryant in February and Willie Jake Jr. in August.

The undercard Streams Exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:55 p.m. ET / 2:55 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna.

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Janibek vs. Gualtieri (All Times ET)

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ROSENBERG, Texas (Sept. 1, 2023) – Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly is ready to conquer the middleweight division one belt a time.
 
The reigning WBO world champion will lock horns against unbeaten IBF world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in a title unification showdown on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas. This will be the first boxing event to take place at the brand-new, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue, which opened its doors last week.
 
In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis takes another step up in class against Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with AGON Sports & Events, Janibek-Gualtieri and Davis-Albright will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets starting at $35 go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. CST via ETix.
 
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Janibek is the best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has a chance to prove that once again with a victory over a tough champion in Vincenzo Gualtieri. I’m also pleased to see the future of the lightweight division, Keyshawn Davis, take his biggest step up to date against Nahir Albright. Top Rank is thrilled to be hosting the first boxing event at Fort Bend Epicenter, where fans near the Houston area will be in for a real treat.”
 
Janibek (14-0, 9 KOs) is a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, who took the fast lane to becoming champion. In 2021, he scored knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He captured the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round destruction of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title. Janibek has made two defenses, beating British champion Denzel Bentley via unanimous decision last November and blasting out Canadian contender Steven Butler via second-round stoppage in May.
 
Janibek said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to fight a fellow world champion. This fight gets me one step closer to becoming the undisputed middleweight champion, and I thank Vincenzo Gualtieri for putting his belt on the line. He is doing what the other champions have refused to do. I will, however, return home to Kazakhstan as a unified champion.”
 
Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) debuted as a professional in October 2015. He went 15-0 before fighting to a draw against fellow unbeaten German Thomas Piccirillo in August 2020. He captured his first regional title with a points victory against Billi Facundo Godoy in November 2021. He defended it twice before capturing the vacant IBF middleweight world title with a unanimous decision win against then-undefeated Brazilian Esquiva Falcao.
 
Gualtieri said, “Janibek is an outstanding boxer who has done it all as an amateur and a professional, just like Esquiva Falcao. Janibek is a southpaw, just like Esquiva Falcao. Janibek was the favorite, just like Falcao. In the end, Janibek, like Falcao, will lose because I have the better team and the will of a champion. Only that will decide who wins and who loses, just as it did against Falcao.”
 
Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, is making a rapid ascent up the lightweight rankings. After going 3-0 as a pro, he captured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank and has since scored six victories, including brutal knockouts against Esteban Sanchez and Omar Tienda. In April, he pummeled Anthony Yigit en route to a ninth-round TKO victory. He shut out former European champion Francesco Patera via 10-round unanimous decision in July.

Davis said, “I’m coming to Texas to beat up Nahir Albright. Simple as that. He’s not on my level, and after I put on a show, a message will be sent. The future of the lightweight division is here.”
 
Albright (16-2, 7 KOs) lost a majority decision in his pro debut in 2016. Undeterred, he won his next 14 fights and captured his first regional title with a decision win over Jeremy Hill in July 2021. He stopped Michael Dutchover in the sixth round of their showdown two months later before suffering a decision loss against Jamaine Ortiz in February 2022. Albright bounced back seven months later by handing Brazilian standout Estivan Falcao his first loss. He is coming off an upset majority decision win against U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in July.
 
Albright said, “This is another step in the right direction. He’s another person in my way. I’m not worried about Keyshawn Davis. I just beat an Olympian in my last fight. I want to fight the best and prove I belong in the ring with the top guys.”
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature a host of up-and-coming talents:
 
U.S. Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round heavyweight battle against Don Haynesworth (17-8-1, 15 KOs). Torrez hopes to notch his third first-round victory of the year after first-round stoppages over James Bryant in February and Willie Jake Jr. in August.
 
Junior welterweight standout Giovanni Marquez (6-0, 4 KOs), son of former world champion Raul Marquez, will put his unbeaten record on the line in a scheduled six-rounder. The Houston native is coming off a second-round TKO win against Nicky Vitone in August.
 
U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (8-0, 1 KO) will make his 2023 debut in an eight-round featherweight fight against Jose Perez (11-1-2, 5 KOs). Ragan, from Cincinnati, Ohio, turned away a stiff challenge from Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron last October at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
2016 Italian Olympian Guido Vianello (10-1-1, 9 KOs) will take on Florida veteran Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight tilt. In his last fight, Vianello lost his ‘0’ after a right hand from veteran Jonnie Rice caused a cut above his left eye, forcing the referee to end the bout in the seventh round. Vianello was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
 
Kelvin Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), the eldest of the fighting Davis Brothers from Norfolk, will see action in an eight-round junior welterweight clash. Davis returns after a fourth-round knockout win against Derrick Whitley Jr. in July.
 
Unbeaten lightweight prospect Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 

# # #

About The Fort Bend County Epicenter
At 230,000 sq. ft., the Epicenter, located in Rosenberg, Texas, is a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility.  The arena boasts over 8,600 fixed seats, with a capacity of 10,000.  The venue features a multipurpose area and a covered outdoor pavilion. The Epicenter can host multicourt basketball and volleyball tournaments, concerts, family entertainment and livestock shows. www.thefortbendepicenter.com.

Janibek Alimkhanuly retained the WBO Middleweight title with a second round obliteration of Steven Butler at The Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In round two, Alimkhanuly dropped Butler with a devastating left uppercut that was followed by a huge left. When Butler got up, he was on unsteady legs. Alimkhanuly jumped on Butler and sent him to the canvas for second time with a big flurry of punches. Alimkhanuly continued to pound a wounded Butler and put him flat ion his back and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Alimkhanuly, 159.2 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 14-0 with nine knockouts. Butler, 159.6 lbs of Montreal 32-4-1.

Alimkhanuly said, “Championsl. Boxing superstars! Where are you? I am waiting. Let’s fight. I am the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go. Let’s fight. I am ready for anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.”

Jason Moloney Decisions Astrolabio to Win Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney won the vacant WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio

Moloney was cut around the left eye in round seven.

Moloney landed 143 of 463 punches. Atrolabio was 109 of 596.

Moloney, 117.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 26-2. Astrolabio, 117.2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-4.

Moloney won the title on his third attempt.

Moloney said, “I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life.

“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.

“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, [twin brother] Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. destroyed Derrick Murray by scoring an opening-round, one-punch stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Flores landed a perfect check left hook to the chin that sent Murray crushing down to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the canvas and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Flores, 134.4 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 22-2 with eight knockouts. Murray, 134.4 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 17-9-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV stopped Maicol Lopez Viillagrano in round five of their eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Villa dropped Villagrano with a left uppercut that was followed by a straight left to the chin. In round five, Villa landed several big lefts that forced a referee stoppage at 1:55.

Villa, 126.4 lbs of Salinas, CA is 20-1 with seven knockouts. Villagrano, 126.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-5.

Javier Martinez and Joeshon Jones fought to an eight-round split draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Martinez won a card 77-75; Jones took a card 79-73 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Martinez, 160.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 8-0-1. Jonez, 161.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-0-1.

Amado Fernando Vargas won a four-round unanimous decision over Bernando Marzano in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Vargas dropped Manzano with a hard left.

Vargas, 129.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is ow 7-0. Marzano, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 2-5.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Perez in a welterweight fight.

Norman, 148 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 24-0. Perez, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 24-5.

  •  Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.2 lbs. vs. Steven Butler 159.6  lbs
(Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Jason Moloney117.8 lbs vs. Vincent Astrolabio 117.2 lbs
(Vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT)

•  Gabriel Flores Jr. 134.4  lbs vs. Derrick Murray 134.4  lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Javier Martinez 161.2 lbs  vs. Joeshon James 161.2 lbs 
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Ruben Villa 126.4 lbs  vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana 126.6 lbs 
 (Featherweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Amado Fernando Vargas 129.4 lbs vs. Bernardo Manzano 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Brian Norman Jr. 148 lbs  vs. Jesus Perez 147 lbs
 (Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 11, 2023) – An action-packed world championship doubleheader is coming to Stockton, California.

Undefeated Kazakh phenom Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBO middleweight world title against Canadian contender Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) this Saturday at Stockton Arena.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT) includes Stockton-born lightweight Gabriel Flores Jr. (21-2, 7 KOs)and top featherweight contender Ruben Villa (19-1, 6 KOs) in separate eight-round bouts. Amado Fernando Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs), the undefeated son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, is also set to return in a four-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Janibek Alimkhanuly

“I’m very excited. This is my second defense. I prepared very well for this fight. I don’t want to just defend my title. I want to unify titles. I think it’s going to be a great fight this Saturday night.”
 
“I really enjoyed training at Brickhouse Boxing. In my last fight, I fought all 12 rounds, and I felt like something was missing. So, we added a new conditioning coach, and he has helped me a lot. I had a very good preparation. I really enjoy working with Buddy McGirt at Brickhouse Boxing.” 
 
“I got a new conditioning coach because I understand that it will help me grow. If you keep doing the same things, then you will stay in the same place. I wanted to grow. I wanted to unify. I wanted to fight Jermall Charlo. I wanted to fight Erislandy Lara. In order to do that, I knew that I had to make changes.”
 
“As a fighter, I really respect him because he says what he thinks. But I’m going to show him that not only will he not be able to knock me out, he won’t even be able to touch me.” 

Steven Butler
 
“I’m 100 percent ready. I have a lot of respect for Janibek for giving me the opportunity, but he’ll be making a big mistake if he tries to think past me. I want to knock him out. I want the belt. That’s it.”
 
“I’ve learned a lot. I started boxing when I was 11 years old. I’m 27 now. So, I have a lot experience behind me. When I put it all together on Saturday night, I’m going to shock the world.”
 
“This means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true. We have worked a long time for this title shot. And now we have the opportunity this Saturday night to fight for, and win, the title.”
 
“I’m scared of nobody. I’ve taken risks my whole life. Janibek is a good boxer. I have nothing bad to say about him. But we worked hard in this training camp. I’ve worked hard my entire life for this fight.”

Jason Moloney

“This means everything to me. I’ve been boxing for nearly 20 years now and chasing this one dream of becoming champion of the world. It’s something I think about every single day of my life. I train so hard. I’ve made so many sacrifices to be in this position. So, I’m ready. Nothing will make me prouder than having that belt wrapped around my waist and sharing this special moment with my family and my team.”
 
This is a really special moment for us. I’ll be fighting to become world champion this weekend. And my brother, Andrew, will fight for a world title on the Haney vs. Lomachenko card as well. This is an incredible story. Two twin brothers that have been on this journey for nearly 20 years. For us to finally achieve it and to become champions one week apart is incredible.”

Vincent Astrolabio 
 
“I’m am very determined to take the belt home to the Philippines for my family, my country and my people. I am prepared 100 percent. I am very much ready for this fight.”
 
“I have this stuffed kangaroo because I will give it to Jason. I have it because I think of Jason as a baby kangaroo.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“It feels amazing to be here. It gives me life. It gives me energy. It helps me keep on going. Because when I fight and I win, my whole city wins. My whole city is going in there with me. So, it feels great. I feel so alive here. I can’t wait to repeat 2019.” 

Ruben Villa

“It feels good to finally be on the A-side of the card. To repay the people who have helped me, I always want to perform well. I want to perform at the best. I got to work at the Top Rank Gym for this camp. And everything went well. I really can’t wait to show what I’ve been working on.”

Amado Fernando Vargas

“Training camp has been phenomenal. I’ve been working with Gabriel Flores and his father. They’ve been helping me out tremendously in camp with my boxing. And, of course, my father Fernando Vargas has been helping us. He showed me how to throw my first punch, and now we’re here together on the big stage.” 

Saturday, May 13 
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler, 12 rounds, Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title

Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Derrick Murray, 8 rounds, Lightweight

Javier Martinez  vs. Joeshon James, 8 rounds, Middleweight
 
Ruben Villa vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana, 8 rounds, Featherweight
 
Amado Fernando Vargas vs. Bernardo Manzano, 4 rounds, Junior Lightweight
 
Haven Brady Jr. vs. D’Angelo Fuentes, 8 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jesus Perez, 8 rounds, Welterweight

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 10, 2023) – WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuky is ready to take out his frustrations on Steven Butler. After calls to unify against the division’s other champions were not answered, Janibek will defend his world title against big-punching Canadian contender Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, rose the ranks in 2021 with knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He picked up the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round blitzing of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated his title. Janibek made the first defense of his title in November, turning back the stiff challenge of British champion Denzel Bentley. Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) has won four straight bouts, all in Canada, since back-to-back defeats.

Following a recent training session, this is what Janibek had to say:

“I give all the credit to Steven Butler for accepting this fight. In a division full of ducks, Butler is a true warrior. I know he will come to fight, and we will give the fans a great show.”

“Demetrius Andrade gave up his title to avoid fighting me. He ran eight pounds up the scale. He is the ultimate duck. Jaime Munguia turned down a shot at the title to fight weaker opposition. They are the two ducks, but I am the champion now.”

“I called out the division’s other champions, and they didn’t answer. Butler answered the call. I am fighting Saturday to prove a point. I will knock out Butler in devastating fashion.”

“The middleweight division runs through me now. I am here to stay. While the other champions continue not to fight, I will challenge the best and knock out everyone in my path.”

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone presents a world championship doubleheader. Janibek vs. Butler and Moloney vs. Astrolabio, live this Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA. 

The main event features undefeated Kazak phenom Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) defending his WBO middleweight world title against Canadian contender Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs).

Janibek, a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the fast track to title contention after representing his country in the 2016 Olympics. He captured his first pair of regional titles in 2019 and in 2021 stopped former world champions Hassan N’Dam and Rob Brant. In 2022, he captured the interim WBO middleweight title. He was then elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his title. Last November, Janibek defended his title against Denzel Bentley via a 12-round decision.

Butler is a nine-year pro from Montreal, Canada. He captured the IBF North American title via first-round knockout against Janks Trotter in 2016 before suffering his first defeat against then-undefeated Brandon Cook the following year. Butler bounced back with eight knockout victories before decisioning Vitalii Kopylenko to capture the WBC International middleweight title. Butler is now coming off four wins, two of them by knockout.

In the co-feature for the vacant WBO bantamweight title, former two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will take on hard-hitting Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs).

The undercard will stream exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. PT.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley Jr. as analysts; Mark Kriegel and Crystina Poncher will serve as reporters.  

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STOCKTON, Calif. (May 1, 2023) — Undefeated featherweight prospect Amado Fernando Vargas is set to return in a four-rounder on the May 13 undercard of the world championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazakh phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Vargas’ bout will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect who made his pro debut in 2021 with a first-round knockout against Hector Montijo Molina in Mexico. In 2022, he made his U.S. debut by defeating Anel Mudo via four-round unanimous decision in May and ended the year with a points victory against Osmar Olmos Hernandez in November. In his last fight, Vargas decisioned Printice Canada over four rounds in April. Trained by his father, former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, he is one of three boxing brothers, along with older sibling Fernando Jr. and younger brother and Top Rank-signed lightweight Emiliano.

STOCKTON, Calif. (April 5, 2023) — Tickets are on sale now for the May 13 championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr., in an eight-round lightweight battle.
 

Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao joins the undercard action in a 10-round junior lightweight bout. Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action for the first time since dropping a decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last September. His only other loss came against former two-division champion Oscar Valdez.

(April 3, 2023) — Featherweight contender Ruben “Drac” Villa, the 25-year-old southpaw dynamo from Salinas, California, has inked a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank. Villa will make his long-awaited ring return in an eight-rounder Saturday, May 13, on the undercard of the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Steven Butler WBO middleweight title fight at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
“Ruben Villa has everything it takes to become a world champion,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s a young, talented southpaw who has already tested himself at the sport’s highest level. His future is very bright.”
 
Villa said, “I have always dreamed of fighting on ESPN consistently and being with Top Rank to make the big fights. I want to win a world title and to do it as soon as possible. I look forward to fighting in Stockton, where my hometown fans will be out in full force.”
 
“Villa will be a world champion very soon,” said Rick Mirigian, Villa’s manager. “This partnership was the perfect fit, and we thank Top Rank for a tremendous deal for Ruben to prove he belongs with the top featherweights.”
 
Villa (19-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2016 and captured the WBO International featherweight strap in May 2019 with a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez, who is now the IBF featherweight world champion. Four months after toppling Lopez, he pitched a shutout over top Mexican contender Jose Enrique Vivas. Those victories helped earn him a shot at Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO featherweight world title in October 2020. Navarrete dropped Villa in the first and fourth rounds, but Villa outboxed Navarrete for long stretches. The two knockdowns were critical, as Navarrete notched a unanimous decision by scores of 114-112 2x and 115-111. Villa has fought once since the Navarrete loss, knocking out Horacio Garcia in the ninth round last April.

STOCKTON, Calif. (March 29, 2023) — Undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style”Alimkhanuly will defend his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler on Saturday, May 13, at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, former two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight title.

Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Featured on the EPSN+-streamed undercard is the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr. (21-2, 7 KOs). The 22-year-old will fight in an eight-round lightweight bout and hopes to rebound from last July’s loss to Giovanni Cabrera.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, ticket information will be announced shortly.

“We are excited to bring two world championship fights to the wonderful fight city of Stockton,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Janibek is the most avoided middleweight in the world, but Steven Butler did not hesitate to take on the challenge. Jason Moloney has been close to a world title before, but he’ll need to be at his best to defeat a determined Filipino in Vincent Astrolabio.”

“I’m very proud of the character Steven has shown to work his way back to the top,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger. “We are not going to miss our chance. We’re going to cause a surprise on May 13.”

Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the fast track to title contention after representing his country in the 2016 Olympics. He captured his first pair of regional titles in 2019 by defeating Cristian Olivas. In 2021, Janibek stopped former world champions Hassan N’Dam and Rob Brant. The following year, the 29-year-old blasted out Danny Dignum in two rounds to capture the interim WBO middleweight title, earning a shot at then-champion Demetrius Andrade. Janibek was elevated to world champion after Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his title. The southpaw defended his title against Denzel Bentley via a 12-round decision last November.

“All of the middleweights have run scared, so I give Steven Butler a lot of credit for accepting the fight,” Janibek said. “I want to unify the division, but I cannot overlook Butler. He is a tough, powerful challenger, and I look forward to giving a tremendous show to the fans in Stockton and those watching on ESPN.”

Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) is a nine-year pro from Montreal, Canada. He captured the IBF North American belt via first-round knockout against Janks Trotter in 2016 before suffering his first defeat against then-undefeated Brandon Cook the following year. Butler bounced back with eight knockout victories before decisioning Vitalii Kopylenko to capture the WBC International middleweight title. The 27-year-old then traveled to Japan to challenge Ryota Murata for the WBA title in a valiant but unsuccessful effort. Butler is now coming off four wins, two of them by knockout.

Butler said, “No detail will be spared in this training camp. Expect a big upset on May 13. I am confident that I will bring the belt back to Quebec.”

Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) began his career in the paid ranks as a junior featherweight before moving down to 118 pounds in 2017. As a bantamweight, he scored three knockout wins in a row before losing to Emmanuel Rodriguez via split decision in his first world title opportunity. He then stopped four opponents in a row before challenging pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue for the unified bantamweight championship. Moloney is coming off four consecutive wins, including a third-round knockout over Filipino contender Aston Palicte.

“On May 13 I will become champion of the world. Nineteen years of hard work, countless sacrifices, and complete dedication to the sport all come down to this moment,” Moloney said. “Whatever it takes to have this world championship wrapped around my waist, nothing will stop me. I want to say a big thank you to Top Rank and my team for giving me this opportunity.” 

Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) is a 25-year-old native of the Philippines who burst onto the scene last year with a 10-round unanimous decision against former unified world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux. Last November, he dropped Nikolai Potapov three times before stopping him in the sixth round to earn a crack at his first world title.

“Ever since I started boxing my dream was to fight for a world title, and dreams do come true with hard work,” Astrolabio said. “I have played this moment over and over in my head, and I will not be denied the world title. I want to thank my promoter, Manny Pacquiao, and Sean Gibbons for getting me this WBO bantamweight world title shot.”

In undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

• In an eight-round middleweight bout, former U.S. amateur star Javier Martinez (8-0, 2 KOs) makes his 2023 debut. Martinez dominated the durable Marco Delgado last November in a career-best performance.
   
• Atlanta-based welterweight standout Brian Norman Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) comes back in an eight-rounder. Norman made his Top Rank debut in January with an eight-round decision over Rodrigo Damian Coria.
   
• Junior lightweight prospect Haven Brady Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs) makes his second appearance of 2023 in an eight-rounder. Brady turned back the gritty challenge of Ruben Cervera in January to improve to 9-0.

Janibek Alimkhanuly defended the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denzel Bentley at The Palms Hotel Casino on Las Vegas.

Alimkhanuly landed 189 of 535 punches. Bentley was 157 of 615.

Alimkhanuly, 159.6 lbs of Zhilandy. KAZ won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice and is now 13-0. Bentley, 159 lbs of London is 15-2-1.

Seniesa Estrada defended the WBA Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jazmin Gala Villarino.

Estrada, 103.3 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 23-0. Villarino, 105 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 6-2-2.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Julio Cesar Martinez in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Vargas dropped Martinez with a short but powerful left hook to the chin the folded Martinez under the bottom rope and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Vargas, 133.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-0 with two knockouts. Martinez, 134 lbs of South Bend, IN is 1-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Marco Antonio Delgado in a super middleweight bout.

Martnez, 162.6 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 8-0. Delgado, 162.6 lbs of Turlock, CA is 7-5.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Edgar Joe Cortes in a six-round junior featherweight bout,

In round four, Diaz landed a left to the top of the head that was followed by a right hook to the jaw that sent Cortes down. Cortes got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:14.

Diaz, 121.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with three knockouts. Cortes, 122.2 lbs of Vineland, NJ is 9-7-1.

Charlie Sheehy obliterated Markus Bowes in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bowes several times with hard right hands and then dropped him with the same punch. Sheehy ended things with a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:37.

Sheehy, 135 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Bowes, 135.6 lbs of Rosboro, NC is 2-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Esteban Sanchez in the eighth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a left hook that set off a flurry of punches that put Sanchez on the canvas.

In round four, Sanchez began to bleed from his nose.

In round eight, Sanchez was still taking shots and the fight was stopped at 1:02.

Balderas, 135.4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Sanchez, 135.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 18-3.

Antonio Mireles remained perfect with a first round stoppage of Eric Perry in a six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a heavy combination that put Perry down face first and he was not able to beat the 10-count at 2:26.

Mireles, 269.6 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 6-0 with six knockouts. Perry, 279.8 lbs of Toccoa, GA is 5-7-1.

•  Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.6 lbs vs. Denzel Bentley 159 lbs

(Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Seniesa Estrada 103.8 lbs vs. Jazmin Gala
Villarino 105 lbs 
(Estrada’s WBA Minimumweight World Title — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:15 p.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. PT)

   •  Raymond Muratalla 135 lbs vs. Miguel Contreras 135.2 lbs
 (Lightweight— 8 Rounds)

   •   Emiliano Fernando Vargas 133.8  lbs vs. Julio Cesar Martinez 134 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Javier Martinez 162.6 lbs vs. Marco Delgado 162.6 lbs 
(Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Floyd Diaz 122.4 lbs vs. Edgar Joe Cortes 122.2 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Charlie Sheehy 135 lbs vs. Markus Bowes 135.6 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

   •    Karlos Balderas 135.4 lbs vs. Esteban Sanchez 135.2 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Antonio Mireles 269.6 lbs vs. Eric Perry 279.8 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 3, 2022) — Boxing’s most avoided world champion finally has a dance partner.

WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly, a southpaw power puncher from Kazakhstan, will make the first defense of his title against two-time British champion Denzel Bentley on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, undefeated pound-for-pound queen Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada will defend her WBA minimumweight world title against Jazmin Gala Villarino.

Janibek-Bentley, Estrada-Villarino, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, tickets starting at $25 go on sale Friday, Oct 7 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Janibek is the top middleweight in the world, and this fight will be the start of a long and accomplished championship reign,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I am thrilled to see Seniesa Estrada make her Top Rank debut. She is an exceptionally talented fighter and is poised to be a superstar in the sport for years to come.”

“Denzel Bentley is backing himself and completely believes he has got what it takes to win the WBO world middleweight championship from a formidable champion in Janibek Alimkhanuly,” said Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “It is a golden opportunity for Denzel to step up from being a respected British champion to starring on the world stage in Las Vegas.”

Janibek (12-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the express route to a world title. He fought in his first scheduled 10-rounder in his sixth pro fight, winning a pair of regional titles in a dominant showing over Cristian Olivas. Janibek’s last four bouts have been in Las Vegas, a quartet of knockouts that propelled him to the top of the middleweight heap. In 2021, he knocked out former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam to earn a shot at the WBO interim middleweight title. Janibek knocked out Danny Dignum in two devastating rounds to earn a shot at then-champion Demetrius Andrade. Janibek was elevated to world champion after Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his middleweight title.

“I give Denzel Bentley credit for accepting the challenge when so many fighters ran the other way,” Janibek said. “It is a great honor to defend my world title in Las Vegas at The Palms, and I will once again show the world what ‘Qazaq Style’ is about.”

Bentley (17-1-1, 14 KOs) makes his American debut following a recent run that saw him become king of the British middleweights for a second time. Last April, he suffered a stoppage loss to Felix Cash in a “Bubble” setting in front of limited spectators. Following a comeback victory over Sam Evans, he regained the British middleweight title with a 12-round split decision over the previously unbeaten Linus Udofia. “The Battersea Bomber” earned the shot at Janibek with a fourth-round TKO over Marcus Morrison last month. Bentley rebounded from being stunned in the opening round to bust up Morrison’s nose and open a cut over his right eye, forcing a corner stoppage. After perhaps his most dramatic victory, Bentley readies for the Las Vegas main event stage.

“It will be a good and exciting fight, and I think it is a fight I can win,” Bentley said. “So why not go out there and enjoy the theatrics of Las Vegas and come back with a world title? I genuinely believe I can beat him, and he is beatable. Everybody says he is scary, but I don’t see it. Maybe I am missing something. We will find out when we get in the ring.”

Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs), the latest fighting sensation from East Los Angeles, hopes to flash the two-handed power that has made her one of the sport’s must-see action stars. A two-weight world champion who has also won an interim world title at flyweight, Estrada returns from a nearly 11-month layoff to defend her minimumweight title for a second time. She won that title last March with one-sided decision over Anabel Ortiz, then captured the WBO light flyweight title less than four months later with a decision over Japan’s Tenaki Tsunami. Estrada moved back down to minimumweight last December and defended her title with a fourth-round stoppage over Maria Micheo Santizo. A women’s boxing pioneer who has been grinding in Southern California gyms since taking up the sport more than two decades ago, Estrada is set to resume her career with the backing of Top Rank and “The Worldwide Leader in Sports.”

Estrada said, “This is an exciting time for women’s boxing, and I am thrilled to be making my Top Rank on ESPN debut in Las Vegas against a worthy challenger in Villarino. I am entering the prime of my career and looking forward to unifying the championships in three weight classes. The newest chapter in my career begins November 12, and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

Villarino (6-1-2, 1 KO) enters her first world title opportunity having not tasted defeat since her 2016 pro debut. Last November, she traveled to Colombia and knocked out Venezuelan former world title challenger Yenifer Leon via seventh-round TKO. Leon also was stopped in five rounds by Estrada back in 2019. Villarino followed up the Leon triumph in March with a unanimous decision over Judith Vivanco in Vivanco’s home country of Mexico. She now enters enemy territory for a third straight fight in hopes of riding her road warrior mentality to a world title.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, to fight for a world title against a fellow warrior like Seniesa Estrada,” Villarino said. “I am thankful to Top Rank for the opportunity, and I am coming to Las Vegas to shock the boxing world. On November 12, a new champion will be crowned.”

In undercard action, undefeated lightweight prospect Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (15-0, 12 KOs) will fight in an eight-rounder. Muratalla is coming off a one-sided decision over Jair Valtierra.

Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (5-0, 5 KOs), a 6’9 heavyweight, will fight in his first scheduled six-rounder. Mireles has three consecutive second-round knockouts after scoring a pair of first-round stoppages to start his career.

Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (16-0, 13 KOs), who is coming off an epic decision victory over the previously undefeated Omar Aguilar in August, hopes to inch closer to title contention in an eight-rounder.

2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (13-1, 11 KOs) looks to make it five wins in a row in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Former U.S. amateur superstar Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (7-0, 2 KOs) returns in a six-rounder at super middleweight.

Lightweight Charlie Sheehy (4-0, 3 KOs), a fearsome puncher from the Bay Area, makes his fourth appearance of 2022 in a four-rounder.

About Palms Casino Resort 
Palms Casino Resort is making history as the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe. Palms Casino Resort features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. The resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; an expansive pool and spa area; wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatres 14-screen cinema and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums.

Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road. Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more information visit http://www.palms.com/ or the Palms Press Room. Follow Palms on social media  Facebook Twitter Instagram.

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(Aug. 30, 2022) — The middleweight division’s boogeyman is now a champion.

Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (12-0, 8 KOs) was officially named WBO middleweight world champion after the organization’s previous champion, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, elected to ghost the division rather than make a mandatory defense against Janibek. A 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, Janibek will make the first defense of his world title later this year on a Top Rank on ESPN card.

Janibek (12-0, 8 KOs) made his Top Rank debut as a 2-0 prospect in 2018 and quickly moved up the ranks with victories over the likes of Vaughn Alexander, Steven Martinez, and Albert Onolunose. He broke through in 2021 with one-sided knockouts over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam.

In May, Janibek fought Danny Dignum for the interim WBO middleweight title after multiple prospective opponents turned down the opportunity. Janibek knocked out Dignum in the second round. He is now a world champion dealing with the same issue that plagued him as a contender. Who is ready, willing, and able to try and solve the “Qazaq Style” puzzle?

“I would pick Janibek over any middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is a southpaw with tremendous power and will reign over the division for a very long time.”

This is what the new WBO middleweight world champion had to say.

“I am honored to be the first WBO world champion from Kazakhstan. As middleweight champion, I will represent my nation with great pride.”

“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.”

“The middleweight nightmare is here to stay! Now that I am a world champion, I will continue to show that ‘Qazaq Style’ is the best style.”

“I’d have no issue fighting Jermall Charlo for his WBC title. We are both champions, so let’s unify the belts. Charlo would be easy work for me, and he knows that. Champions should fight other champions. It’s too bad the other so-called ‘champions’ do not feel that way.”

Janibek Alimkhanuly firmly cemented himself as one of the top-middleweights in the world as he captured the WBO Interim Middleweight title with a two-round thrashing of Danny Dignum at Resorts World Las Vegas.

In round one, Alimkhanuly dropped Dignum with a left hand. Round two saw Alimkhanuly land a vicious combination that punctuated by a left to the head and left uppercut that put Dignim flat on his back and the fight was called at 2:11.

Alimkhanuly, 160 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 12-0 with eight knockouts. Dignum, 159 lbs of Essex, ENG is 14-1-1.

“I am in the ring right now, and I want to tell every champion in this weight class, I am here waiting for you. I am asking every champion to come and fight me,” Janibek said. “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.”

Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “Janibek is the next middleweight superstar. There is no doubt that he is the future of the division. What a sensational performance from a great young man and fighter.”

Jamaine Ortiz Decisions Jamel Herring

Jamaine Ortiz scored the biggest win of his career as he won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jamel Herring in a lightweight fight.

Ortiz landed 186 of punches; Herring was 115 of 429.

Ortiz, 135 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 16-0-1. Herring, 135 lbs of Coram, NY is 21-4.

“I still got a lot of work to do. I’m just growing and going at the pace I’m going. I gotta learn quick. I gotta pick things up a little bit. I’m not afraid of challenges, and I’m here to prove I’m the best to myself, not anyone else,” Ortiz said. “I feel like I could’ve done a lot better, a lot cleaner {of a} performance. I’m hard on myself. I’m always going to be hard on myself. Much respect to a former world champion. That was an achievement I wanted to do in my career.”

Herring said, “He had a better output. I wasn’t tired or anything. He just beat me to the draw…. Jamaine was just the better man. Maybe this is it.”

Tiger Johnson Stops Kucharski in 3

2021 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson stopped Agustin Kucharski in round three of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Kucharski had blood around the right eye.

In round three, Johnson dropped Kucharski twice with the finisher being a right to the head. Kucharski’s corner threw in the towel at 54 seconds.

Johnson, 142.4 lbs of Cleveland, OH is4-0 with three knockouts. Kucharski, 143.2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 8-5-1.

Adam Lopez got off the canvas twice to come back and win a eight-round unanimous decision over William Encarnacion in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Encarnacion dropped Lopez with a left hook. In round three, it was a counter right that put Lopez on the canvas.

Lopez, 126.8 lbs of Glendale, CA won by scores of 7-74 twice and 76-74 and is now 16-3. Encarnacion, 126.2 lbs of San Juan de la Manguia, DR is 19-3.

Karlos Balderas won an six-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a counter left that sent Cervera to the canvas. In round three, it was another left hook that deposited Cervera on the deck.

Balderas, 132 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 58-54 twice and 57-55 and is now 13-1. Cervera, 130.8 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 130-3.

Former world champion Jessie Magdaleno came back from a two-year layoff to win an eight-round unanimous decision over Edy Valencia in a featherweight bout.

Magdaleno, 127.2 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 29-1. Valencia, 126.8 lbs of Culican, MEX is 19-7-6.

Duke Ragan remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Victorino Gonzalez in a featherweight bout.

Ragan, 127.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by 40-36 scores on all cards and is now 6-0. Gonzalez, 127 lbs of Pawleys Island, SC is 5-3.

Giovanni Cabrera remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Elias Araujo in a lightweight bout.

Cabrera, 135.4 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74 and is now 20-0. Araujo, 135.4 lbs of Monte Comlin, ARG is 21-5.

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

    •  Janibek Alimkhanuly 160 vs. Danny Dignum 159
(Vacant WBO Interim Middleweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Jamel Herring 135 lbs vs. Jamaine Ortiz 135 lbs 
(NABF and USBA Lightweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

•   Tiger Johnson 142.4 lbs vs. Agustin Kucharski 143.2 lbs 
(Welterweight— 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT)

   •    Adam Lopez 126.8 lbs vs. William Encarnacion 126.2 lbs
 (Featherweight— 8 Rounds)

   •    Karlos Balderas 132 lbs vs. Ruben Cervera 130.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight— 8/6 Rounds)

   •   Jessie Magdaleno 127.2 lbs vs. Edy Valencia 126.8 lbs
 (Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

   •   Duke Ragan 127.6 lbs vs. Victorino Gonzalez 127 lbs
 (Featherweight— 6/4 Rounds)

   •       Giovanni Cabrera 135.4 lbs vs. Elias Araujo 135.4 lbs
 (Lightweight— 8 Rounds)

SWING BOUTS

   •   Kasir Goldston 141.6 lbs vs. Yaniel Alvarez 141.8 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6/4 Rounds)

   •   Charlie Sheehy 134.8 lbs vs. Burnell Jenkins 133.6 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

* The Steven Nelson-Louis Rose bout was cancelled due to Nelson weighing in 6.6 pounds over the contracted weight of 173

LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2022) —Kazakhstan’s next middleweight star, Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly, has long called out world champions and 160-pound standouts. He finally gets a chance to win a belt this Saturday at Resorts World Las Vegas when he takes on fellow unbeaten contender Danny Dignum for the vacant WBO Interim middleweight world title.

Janibek (11-0, 7 KOs) is a 2016 Olympian who broke through in 2021 with knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. Dignum (14-0-1, 8 KOs), from Essex, England, has been the WBO European middleweight champion since knocking out Conrad Cummings in November 2019. 

In the 10-round co-feature, former junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring returns to the lightweight ranks against undefeated contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (15-0-1, 8 KOs). The ESPN-televised opener will see U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (3-0, 2 KOs) step up in a six-round welterweight bout against Agustin Kucharski (8-4-1, 3 KOs). Janibek-Dignum, Herring-Ortiz and Johnson-Kucharski will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) and includes featherweight contender Adam “Blunose” Lopez (15-3, 6 KOs)against William Encarnacion (19-2, 15 KOs)in an eight-rounder, featherweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (5-0, 1 KO), the comebacking Steven “So Cold” Nelson (17-0, 14 KOs), 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (12-1, 11 KOs), and former junior featherweight world champion Jessie Magdaleno (28-1, 18 KOs) returning from a nearly two-year layoff to fight Edy Valencia Mercado (19-6-6, 7 KOs).

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Janibek Alimkhanuly

“It’s boxing. Everything happens in boxing, as we all know. I am very happy that this young man took this fight. We’re going deliver a very good fight for the audience.”

“I think I’m one of the most avoided fighters. And I think in the future, many are going to continue to step aside. Many will not want to face me in the ring.”

“I respect him very much for taking this fight. He is a good fighter. He has a good record. He is 14-0. He has a good amateur career. But when we step in the ring, all the respect is going to go away. It’s boxing.”

“I’ve been preparing for this fight for a very long time. I’ve learned a lot about him. I’ve learned about all of the mistakes that he does in the ring. I’ve learned what his weaknesses are. I’m going to be playing with him, and I’m going to be showing my ‘Qazaq Style’ of fighting.”

Danny Dignum

“This is what I’ve dreamed of since I was nine years old when I first started boxing. I’m so pleased that the other fighters didn’t fight him because now it’s going to be my opportunity to fight him. He’s a very good fighter. I’ve prepared well. I’ve done everything possible to give myself every opportunity, and I’m ready to take it.”

“I’m pleased the other fighters didn’t take this fight because otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here now with the opportunity to box for the interim world title. The opportunity came up, and I just said yes straight away. I’ve boxed to try to prove myself, and now I’ve got the opportunity, and I’ve grabbed it with both hands.”

“You’re going to see a good performance from me on Saturday. I’m going to cause a big upset. I’m going to gain a lot of fans. I’m looking forward to that.”

Jamel Herring

“Everything’s been good. It was a great camp. I’m just happy to be back in the ring. Jamaine is basically the only one that stepped up. You got to give him that respect. I’ve got nothing against anyone else. Richard Commey was a name that was thrown at us. But he’s moving up in weight. Robson Conceição was another name thrown at me. We were supposed to set up a match against Miguel Berchelt as well, but you see how that played out.”

“But I don’t complain. I don’t fuss. I really don’t give Top Rank or anyone an issue about who I match up with as long as it’s a fight that people want to see and it makes sense, then I’m all for it.”

“I always feel like I have something to prove. I mean, you guys know it really well. Even when I was champion, I was considered the underdog in big fights. When I fought Masayuki Ito, I was the underdog. When I fought Carl Frampton, I was a big underdog, and so on. I just have the mentality that no matter who is in the ring, you always got to take them seriously. You always have to prepare like your back’s against the wall. That’s how I prepare for every fight.”

“I had a great camp with Manny Robles. A lot of people don’t know, but we’ve had a relationship for over 10 years. Manny was actually in my corner when I was getting ready for the Olympics, through the AIBA Worlds, the Continental Qualifiers and even the Olympic Games. Coach Manny was there. I just want to put that out there. Even with the change, it’s not a big change. I’m familiar with him.”

Jamaine Ortiz

“It’s a big opportunity. I wanted to fight a former world champion just to get myself up there and prove to myself that I can beat a former world champion and beat a current world champion, so this is the road that’s ahead of me.”

“Maybe the opponent wasn’t something that I was expecting, but I’m not surprised at the road that I’m heading down by fighting a former world champion because this is what I expect in my career by moving up and trying to climb the ladder. These are the fights that are going to be headed my way.”

“I prepare for every fight with the same mindset. It’s a tough fight. I do what works. I do what fits best for me and for my body. We’re going to be ready on Saturday.”

Tiger Johnson

“It’s a blessing. I’m happy to be here. We’re just taking it one fight at a time. I had a good camp with Brian Castaño. Shout out to him. He had a good fight. I’m just ready for whatever.”

“It’s been fun. I like fighting. I enjoy getting better as time goes on. With each fight, you see that I’ve been improving. It’s going to get better and better, and this Saturday, you will see.”

On Visiting the White House with the U.S. Olympic Team

“It meant a lot. Because of COVID, we didn’t get a chance to see the White House, so they arranged it for us. We went there in the beginning of May, and it felt like I was on the Olympic team all over again. Then we had a nice gala. It felt like I was at prom.”

Jessie Magdaleno

“It’s been a long two years, and I have been waiting, waiting and waiting. And now that the time is here, I am very excited about it. I can’t wait to shine.”

“I missed everything. The training. Getting punched. Feeling the hits. The soreness. I missed it all. I’m very pleased to be back.” 
Saturday, May 21ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Danny Dignum, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Middleweight World Title

Jamel Herring vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 10 rounds, NABF and USBA Lightweight Titles

Tiger Johnson vs. Agustin Kucharski, 6 rounds, welterweight
 ESPN+ (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT)
Adam Lopez vs. William Encarnacion, 8 rounds, featherweight

Karlos Balderas vs. Ruben Cervera, 8/6 rounds, junior lightweight

Jessie Magdaleno vs. Edy Valencia Mercado, 8 rounds, featherweight

Duke Ragan vs. Victorino Gonzalez, 6/4 rounds, featherweight

Steven Nelson vs. Louis Rose, 8 rounds, light heavyweight
 SWING BOUTS
Kasir Goldston vs. Yaniel Alvarez, 6/4 rounds, junior welterweight

Giovanni Cabrera vs. Elias Araujo, 8 rounds, lightweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Burnell Jenkins, 4 rounds, lightweight