IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly and challenger Andrei Mikhailovich both made weight today for their headliner on ESPN+ this Friday, October 4th in Sydney, Australia.
Janibek is predicting a first round knockout against the unbeaten #3 IBF Mikhailovich. The two were supposed to meet last July, but Janibek had to pull out after suffering severe dehydration while attempting to make weight.
Weights:
Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.5 lbs
Andrei Mikhailovich 160
Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs) will defend his IBF title against Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) at The Star in Sydney, Australia. The event begins at 5:00 a.m. ET/2:00 a.m. PT.
Mikhailovich Vows to “Kill” Janibek
“It’s hard to get fights, but soon the world will know who I am, and I’m excited about that,” said Andrei Mikhailovich during the final press conference. “I’ll win. There’s no doubt about it, and the King is going home.
“I already feel like a champion. I feel great about myself. I think the big thing is I walk the street like I’m a champion already. I’m cool for whatever it is. I expect to be here. I expect to be fighting champions. This is what I do. This is what I’m about. I’m excited to my job on Friday. I’m going to kill you.”
“Tomorrow is going to be a very hard day for you. I’m going to show you what I’m going to do,” said Janibek.
“I’m excited,” said Mikhailovich. “Do you know what jetlag is? Do you know what water depletion is? Do you know what happens to your skull when you’re dehydrated? It’s like a layer of water that protects your brain from your skull. Without that and without a good liver, those punches are going to hurt.
“Those liver punches are going to be really sore. That temple is going to be thumping. Good luck, soldier.”
“I’m not used to that nonsense. I come from top level fighters,” said Egis Klimas, the manager for Janibek.
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