Zhanibek Alimkhanuly returns to Kazakhstan for defense against Anauel Ngamissengue

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly is set to have his first contest in his native Kazakhstan since 2017 when he defends his WBO and IBF middleweight titles against Congo-born Frenchman, Anauel Ngamissengue, in Astana on April 5. In the process, the 31-year-old Alimkhanuly will become the first Kazakh world champion to defend on home soil since Gennady Golovkin trounced Nilson Julio Tapia in 2010 – and the first in history to defend more than one championship.

“’Kazakh Style’ is finally coming home,” Alimkhanuly, 16-0 (11 KOs), said. “April 5 will be a memorable night as I defend my WBO and IBF world titles against a top opponent. Many fighters turned down this opportunity, so I credit Anauel for accepting the challenge. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and Anauel [is] in my way. The fans in Kazakhstan and everyone watching worldwide will see something special.”

Though the unbeaten Ngamissengue is well-regarded, this marks a significant step up in class for the 29-year-old and it will be his first encounter over the 12-round championship distance.

“Thank you for this long-awaited opportunity — after almost a year of fighting for a chance, this is the most important moment of my career,” Ngamissengue, 14-0 (9 KOs), said. “I know I’m going into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this. I respect Janibek and everything he’s achieved, but I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top.”

The event will be staged by Nomad Promotions, led by Scott Murray, who have ambitions to elevate the profile of boxing in Kazakhstan, a nation with a growing reputation for harvesting fighting talent.

“Organizing this historic night has been a labor of love for our team,” Murray said. “We are committed to developing the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan, and there’s no better way to do that than by hosting a world title fight featuring our very own Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are honored to be part of this milestone. It is going to be a great, historic moment for both the sport and the country and the first of many events we bring to Kazakhstan.”

Top Rank’s Bob Arum added: “Zhanibek is a supreme talent and the very best middleweight in the world. He has tremendous support in Kazakhstan, and we are pleased that he’ll have the opportunity to defend his world titles in front of his adoring home fans. Anauel is a tough opponent, but Zhanibek is in a class of his own.”