Janibek vs. Gualtieri and the lightweight co-main event featuring Keyshawn Davis and Nahir Albright will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. Eastern/7:30 p.m. Pacific. Seats are up for grabs starting $35; available from September 6 at 2 p.m. Central via ETix.
Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly is on a mission to snatch every middleweight title out there.
The current WBO World Champion is set to trade punches with the undefeated IBF World Champion Vincenzo Gualtieri. The bout is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, at Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas, marking the first-ever boxing spectacle in this brand-new arena.
Co-Main Event Alert: In a 10-round lightweight duel, American Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis is leveling up against Philly’s own Nahir Albright.
Thanks to Top Rank and AGON Sports & Events, you can catch both fights live on ESPN networks, starting 10:30 p.m. Eastern.
Ticket Info: Tickets start at l $35 and hit the market on September 6 at 2 p.m. Central via ETix.
Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, chimed in: “No question about it, Janibek is the top dog in the middleweight division. This fight is his shot to prove it against another elite fighter like Vincenzo Gualtieri. As for Keyshawn Davis, he’s the future of the lightweight scene and we can’t wait for fans in and around Houston to experience a knockout event.”
Background Check: Janibek (14-0, 9 KOs) is a Kazakhstan native and an Olympian who’s been mowing down competition, including former champs Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He won the WBO interim title last May and has since defended it twice.
Janibek says: “I’m thankful for this shot to unify titles. Vincenzo is putting his belt at risk, something other champs are afraid to do. I aim to head back to Kazakhstan with another belt around my waist.”
Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) turned pro in 2015, and after a draw in 2020, won the vacant IBF title in a unanimous decision against Brazilian Esquiva Falcao.
Gualtieri states: “Like Falcao, Janibek is good, but he’ll find out that I’ve got the stronger team and champion mentality.”
About Keyshawn Davis: Keyshawn (9-0, 6 KOs) from Norfolk, Virginia, is making waves in the lightweight ranks and signed with Top Rank last year. His most recent wins include a TKO over Anthony Yigit.
Keyshawn proclaims: “I’ll come to Texas and school Nahir Albright. He’s not in my league, and after I dominate, people will know who the future of this division is.”
And Nahir Albright: After losing his pro debut, Albright (16-2, 7 KOs) went on a winning streak and captured a regional title last year. He’s fresh off an upset win over U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas.
Albright claims: “Keyshawn is just another obstacle. I beat an Olympian before; this is no different. I’m aiming for the big leagues.”
Janibek Alimkhanuly
“I’m expecting a great fight. I appreciate my opponent for stepping into the ring with his title on the line. We’re going to have a significant fight this Saturday. Prepare to witness the essence of ‘Qazaq Style’.”
“I shifted trainers for this showdown. We’ve absorbed all we could from Buddy McGirt, and now Brian Viloria is guiding me. Our training methods have evolved, and we’re adding nuances to my fighting style. Expect to witness a refreshed me on Saturday.”
“Brian, my current trainer, has been a world champion, so he understands the grind. Though it’s our first training camp together, we’ve incorporated some new techniques. I’ll unveil those skills on Saturday.”
Vincenzo Gualtieri
“I’m thrilled to be here. Competing in the United States has always been a dream of mine. Now that it’s a reality, I aim to emerge victorious on Saturday.”
“My preparations for this fight were rigorous. I trained with a diverse group of sparring partners and my focus was sharper than ever. I’ve dedicated my all to this camp.”
“This fight is my universe. I’ve poured my heart and soul into the training. Some might underestimate me, but I’m here to assert my dominance and achieve success.”
Keyshawn Davis
“I’m in peak condition. I’ve never felt this invigorated. We made critical adjustments and strictly adhered to our training strategy. Honestly, this is the most invigorated I’ve felt pre-fight.”
“If you don’t witness the fight, you’ll surely hear about it. His defeat will be the talk of sports channels. He’s still a novice, and I’ll make sure everyone sees that.”
“We’re here with a mission. He’s well aware of my intentions. One doesn’t need to feel fear to face a beating.”
Nahir Albright
“In my previous fight with Karlos Balderas, I didn’t necessarily learn anything new. Instead, I demonstrated my rightful place in this division. I accomplished my goal and secured the victory.”
“Every time I step into the ring, my daughter’s image spurs me on. She fuels my drive during training and that same spirit accompanies me on fight night.”
“We enhanced our sparring sessions. I had a variety of sparring experiences, including rounds with my younger sibling, Quadir Albright. He’s a top-contender in the junior welterweight division.”
Richard Torrez Jr.
“You can anticipate a performance similar to my previous ones. My strategy involves maintaining a fast tempo, using a plethora of feints, and controlling the fight. No matter the opponent, my presence in the ring remains constant. I’m focused on showcasing my abilities rather than being overly concerned about my opponent’s tactics.”
When’s the Main Event?
Alimkhanuly and Gualtieri will open up the canvas on Saturday, October 14. The show gets on the road at 2 a.m. UK / 9 p.m. ET, with the center of excitement, our main event, expected to start at about 4 a.m. UK / 11 p.m. ET. But hey, if the other fights stretch out, our champs might strut into the ring a tad later. Always keep an eye on those undercard battles!
Where Can I Catch This Excitement?
Over in the US? LIVE on ESPN+ is your go-to. Meanwhile, for our pals across the pond in the UK, Sky Sports has got you covered.
Where’s the Showdown Happening?
Feel like catching it live? Well, Fort Bend Community Center in Rosenberg, Texas, is where all the excitement’s going down.
Who Are These Boxing Stars Anyway?
Zhanibek Alimkhanuly:
- From: Kazakhstan
- Born: April Fools! (Just kidding, April 1, 1993. But imagine being born on April 1st!)
- Stats: 5′ 11.5″ tall with a 71.5″ reach
- Fight Count: 20
- Record: An exciting 16 wins, 4 losses, and 7 knockouts.
Vincenzo Gualtieri:
- Hails from: Germany
- Blow out the Candles on: January 4, 1993
- Stats: Standing 5′ 10.5″ tall, but hey, reach is still a mystery.
- Fight Count: 22
- Record: A respectable 21 wins, 1 loss, and yep, 7 knockouts.
What About the Rest of the Fight Card?
- World Middleweight Titles: Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri
- Lightweight: Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright
- Heavyweight: Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tyrrell Anthony Herndon
- Super Lightweight: Giovanni Marquez vs. Donte Strayhorn
- Featherweight: Duke Ragan vs. Jose Perez
- Heavyweight: Guido Vianello vs. Curtis Harper
- Super Lightweight: Kelvin Davis vs. Narciso Carmona
- Lightweight: Humberto Galindo vs. Oscar Bravo
- Super Lightweight: Alan Garcia vs. Nelson Hampton
- Heavyweight: Jakhongir Zokirov vs. Guillermo Del Rio