Janibek Alimkhanuly now has a direct path to a belt at 168 pounds after the WBO confirmed terms are set for him to battle Jacob Bank for their vacant crown. Moving up provides Janibek another world title crack, while testing how well his middleweight firepower carries into the super middleweight ranks.
“DONE DEAL. Alimkhanuly vs. Bank for the vacant WBO Super Middleweight World Title!” the WBO announced on X.
The fight is reportedly headed to Copenhagen in December, although the WBO has yet to confirm the date, venue, or broadcaster.
Janibek has the edge in championship experience, but he still has to prove himself at 168. Bank gets the chance to test him against a bigger opponent and turn his first world title shot into the biggest win of his career.
If Bank can take Janibek’s power and keep pressing him, the former middleweight champion could have a difficult night. Janibek will need his jab and timing to control the exchanges rather than let Bank force him into a physical fight.
Bank gets the chance to make Janibek fight for every inch in this division. Taking out a hardened former middleweight champion gives Bank immediate legitimacy, proving he did more than pick up an abandoned strap. A victory also pushes his name into the mix for major work at 168 pounds.
Securing Copenhagen hands Bank true home-soil advantages. Fighting in front of his own people helps move tickets and guarantees strong local backing, but roaring fans will not solve the tactical problems Janibek presents once the bell rings.
Hamzah Sheeraz vacated the WBO title rather than face Janibek in an ordered defense. That opened the door for Bank, who now has a chance to win the belt against a former unified middleweight champion.
The date and venue still await confirmation. For Janibek, the fight tests whether he can reproduce his middleweight success at 168. Bank gets the chance to disrupt those plans and establish himself as champion.