Janibek Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs), is the current WBO middleweight champion who will be looking to make his second defense of his title against Canada’s Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs), in a twelve-round main event title fight on Saturday, May 13th from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, live on ESPN+.
Alimkhanuly, who is trained by boxing legend “Buddy” McGirt went through the formalities of a press conference today, just outside of Stockton, California. McGirt spoke to ProBox TV News exclusively about his fighter and where the middleweight stands currently in the sport of boxing itself. Despite being dubbed “the boogeyman” by his promoter, Top Rank Inc., McGirt still sees room for growth.
McGirt might be referencing Alimkhanuly's last fight, against Denzel Bentley, which was shockingly competitive as most saw the bout as a mismatch on paper. Instead, the fans were treated to a competitive fight, that saw Alimkhanuly tested and having to show his championship merit.
"Even though he is [a world champion], he hasn’t had that many fights,” furthered McGirt as despite a deep amateur pedigree Alimkhanuly is heading into only his fourteenth professional fight. “So the key now is to get better with each fight, and keep moving up the ladder.”
McGirt also believes that with the help of Alimkhanuly’s manager, Egis Klimas, and his promoter, Top Rank Inc., that time the middleweight division will run through Alimkhanuly. When that time comes, no one will be able to avoid him, but for now, he needs to develop each step along the way.
“Eventually, the key is to put [the middleweight division fighters] in a position where they have no choice, but to fight him,” said McGirt. “In the meantime, we work on getting better. So when we get there, and get to the big dance, [we are ready]!”
As for his opponent, Steven Butler, McGirt did write him off in the slightest. McGirt views each opponent as dangerous and with Alimkhanuly having trouble finding opposition, a willing opponent is a dangerous opponent.
“Every guy is a problem,” when asked about what Steven Butler brings to the table. “No matter who they are. Everybody is a problem, so the key is to stay ready. We had a better training camp for this fight and he is more focused for this fight.”