By Craig Daly: Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) predicts a knockout of unbeaten WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) tonight in their bout on ESPN at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
Butler, 27, says he’s learned much and matured since losing to former WBA 160-lb champion Ryota Mura in his unsuccessful title challenge in 2019.
The Canada native Butler was 23 at the time and was no match for the more experienced 2012 Olympic gold medalist Murata.
Saturday’s Janibek vs. Butler card will be shown on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
In the chief support bout, Jason Moloney and Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) will fight for the vacant WBO bantamweight belt.
“I’m feeling good for the big fight. I’m excited for Saturday night,” said Steven Butler to Behind The Gloves about his title challenge of WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly in Las Vegas this Saturday, May 13th.
“I’m not scared of nobody. That’s true. A lot of fighters don’t want to fight him because they want to protect their records and everything,” Butler continued. “I have a lot of respect for Janibek. I have nothing bad to say about him, but we worked a long time for this fight.
‘We want to be a world champion. I dreamed for a long time for this fight, and we want to pull the upset. A very good training camp. Top Rank is very good because I had eight weeks to prepare for this fight, and I had a lot of time to make adjustments with sparring partners and make changes.
“We sparred with six different southpaws. So we’re ready for Janibek’s best on Saturday night. Yeah, for sure. I’m 27 years old, and my second time fighting for a world title. I fought with [former WBA 160-lb champion Ryota] Murata for the title in Japan when I was 23, 24, and now I’m more mature physically. It’s my time to shine.
“I don’t want to think past him already,” said Butler when asked who he wants to fight next after Murata. I have Janibek to fight on Saturday night, and I’m focused on him.
“I just need to put it all together and take the belt I only have Saturday night for the moment. That’s a surprise,” said Butler when asked what round he was going to knock out Janibek. “Be there or watch us on ESPN. It’s going to be a big surprise.
“I promise you a big show and an exciting fight. Don’t blink your eyes. It’s going to be a good fight,” said Butler.
