At the weekend in Las Vegas (USA), top middleweight contender Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (12-0, 8 KOs) from Kazakhstan, as expected, had no problems in a duel with Briton Danny Dignam (14-1-1, 8 KOs) and became the owner of ” interim WBO belt.
Following the organization, they decided that the owner of a full-fledged championship belt in this weight, American Demetrius Andred (31-0, 19 KOs), has 180 days to meet with Alimkhanuly and determine the only champion – the fight should take place before November 17.
It is expected that on July 20, the WBO will officially give the parties 30 days to negotiate over the fight. If it is not possible to agree, then promotional auctions will take place – the one who offered the maximum amount will receive the primary right to organize a duel, and the winning bid itself will become the prize fund of the upcoming fight.
Endred is expected to vacate the belt (or be stripped of his title) as he is unable to defend due to injury. Presumably flew somewhere for 4 months. In this case, Alimkhanuly will automatically be promoted to the owner of a full-fledged title – the WBO has already officially confirmed this.
“It is unlikely that Endred, regardless of whether he is ready for the fight or still injured, is going to make a mandatory defense of the belt. It seems that the promotion of Alimkhanuly to the title of a full-fledged champion is just a matter of time, ”
says Dan Raphael.
And meanwhile in ESPN already powerfully promoting their future champion. Promoter Bob Arum said: “Alimkhanuly is the next middleweight superstar,” and commentator Timothy Bradley is sure that “the Kazakhstani is already bypassed by the tenth road.”
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