IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly and challenger Andrei Mikhailovich both made weight today for their headliner on ESPN+ this Friday, October 4th in Sydney, Australia.
Janibek predicts a first round knockout against the undefeated #3 IBF Mikhailovich. The two were supposed to meet last July, but Janibek had to pull out after suffering severe dehydration while trying to gain weight.
Weights:
Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.5 lbs
Andrei Mikhailovich 160
Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs) will defend his IBF title against Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) at The Star in Sydney, Australia. The event begins at 5:00 AM ET/2:00 AM PT.
Mikhailovich promises to “kill” Janibek.
“It’s hard to get fights, but soon the world will know who I am, and I’m excited about that,” Andrei Mikhailovich said during the final press conference. “I will win. There is no doubt about it, and the King goes home.
“I already feel like a champion. I feel great about myself. I think the big thing is I walk down the street like I’m already a champion. I’m cool with whatever it is. I expect to be here. I expect to be fighting champions. This is what I do. That’s what I’m about. I am excited about my work on Friday. I’m going to kill you.”
“Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult day for you. I’m going to show you what I’m going to do,” Janibek said.
“I’m excited,” says Mikhailovich. “Do you know what jet lag is? Do you know what water depletion is? Do you know what happens to your skull when you are dehydrated? It’s like a layer of water that protects your brain against your skull. Without that and without a good liver, those punches are going to hurt.
“Those liver shots are going to hurt a lot. That temple is going to knock. Good luck, soldier.”
“I’m not used to that nonsense. I come from top-level fighters,” said Egis Klimas, Janibek’s manager.
