By: Sean Crose
WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly easily defeated Steven Butler on Saturday night in Stockton, California. The main event of ESPN’s Top Rated card, Alimkhanuly-Butler is not a contest, although the ending is quick and intense. The Canadian 32-4-1 butler never really stood a chance. Although he was able to get through the first game, a thunderous 14-0 headbutt from Alimkhanuly in the second game was just the beginning of the end. Alimkhanuly followed up his powerful shot with a series of punches that sent Butler to the field.
Butler got up, but was knocked down again. The brave man stood up again and tried to hold the oncoming champion. It’s not enough. Alimkhanuly then knocked Butler down with less than thirty seconds to play. It was a stellar performance by the Kazakh champion, although as a middleweight he may face stiffer competition than Butler. Alimkhanuly himself is well aware of this fact, as he has spoken directly to the men he wants to face in the future following Saturday’s victory. “Champions and boxing superstars, where are you?” he say. “I’m waiting. Let’s fight.”
Alimkhanuly then went on to express his belief that the best competitor out there doesn’t want to go head to head with him. “I am the most avoided fighter,” he said. “I am the middle class king. Let’s go, fight. Highest ranked, who is next? The WBO champion then personally named two of the greatest individuals in the fighting game. “Canelo and Charlo,” he said. “I’m coming. I’m available for anyone, anytime, anywhere.” Alimkhanuly may have to wait before battling WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo and great Canelo Alvarez Charlo has been out of action for nearly two years while Canelo seems to want a rematch with lightweight Dmitry. Bivol or a match against tough super-middleweight David Benavidez, but Alimkhanuly doesn’t seem to be going anywhere at the moment.
