Janibek Alimkhanuly to Defend WBO & IBF Middleweight Titles in Historic Kazakhstan Homecoming Against Anauel Ngamissengue on April 5

World championship action set for Barys Arena in Astana with a stacked undercard

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (Feb. 4, 2025) — Unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly is set to make history as the first Kazakh unified champion to defend his titles on home soil. On Saturday, April 5, the WBO and IBF titleholder will face undefeated Congolese challenger Anauel Ngamissengue at Barys Arena in Astana.

The event, promoted by Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank, will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum expressed his excitement for the event, stating,
"Janibek is an elite talent and the best middleweight in the world. He enjoys incredible support in Kazakhstan, and we’re thrilled that he’ll get to defend his world titles in front of his home fans. Anauel is a tough challenger, but Janibek is in a league of his own."

Scott Murray of Nomad Promotions added,
"This is the kind of fight fans dream about—two undefeated fighters, two world titles on the line, and one historic night. Organizing this event has been a labor of love. We are dedicated to growing the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan, and there’s no better way to do that than by showcasing Janibek on home soil. This is just the beginning, and we are honored to be part of this milestone moment."

Janibek Returns Home as Unified Champion

Janibek (16-0, 11 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, has dominated the middleweight division. He claimed victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam, stopping both in the eighth round in 2021. The following year, he made a statement by knocking out Danny Dignum in two rounds for the WBO interim title.

When Demetrius Andrade vacated the belt, Janibek was elevated to full WBO champion and later unified the division by stopping IBF titleholder Vincenzo Gualtieri in six rounds in October 2023. His most recent title defense saw him dismantle Andrei Mikhailovich, securing a ninth-round TKO and setting the stage for his long-awaited return to Kazakhstan—his first fight at home since 2017.

"‘Qazaq Style’ is finally coming home," said Janibek. "April 5 will be a night to remember as I defend my WBO and IBF world titles against a strong challenger. Many fighters turned down this opportunity, so I give credit to Anauel for stepping up. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and he is in my way. Kazakhstan and the world will witness something special."

Ngamissengue Seeks Upset on the Biggest Stage

Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, was one win away from facing Janibek in the tournament but fell short in the opening round. Turning professional in 2019, he built his resume in France before securing his biggest win in August 2023, edging past Fiodor Czerkaszyn via an eight-round majority decision in Poland. In his last fight, he stopped Sandro Jajanidze in three rounds.

Now ranked No. 7 by the IBF, Ngamissengue is set to take on the toughest test of his career—challenging Janibek for both world titles on his home turf.

"This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for," said Ngamissengue. "After nearly a year of fighting for this chance, this is the biggest moment of my career. I know I’m stepping into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this. I respect Janibek and everything he’s accomplished, but I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and prove I belong at the top. See you on April 5."