Demetrius Andrade vs Janibek Alimkhanuly Slips Further Down the Calendar
It looks like yet another snag in the attempt to negotiate the match between WBO middleweight champ Demetrius Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) and mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly (11-0, 7 KOs). Blame COVID-19 for the latest hiccup. On January 20, the sanctioning organization went to social media and made the following announcement:
THE SAGA CONTINUES
All parties must be frustrated at this point. As the sport continues to adjust and deal with COVID-19, promoters and networks have adjusted by using streaming platforms like Zoom and Streamyard. Many media events and interviews now happen virtually. With this new technology, you would think the WBO could use its resources to stage the purse bid live from an online streaming service.
It’s the latest in what’s becoming a hot mess. After naming Alimkhanuly as Andrade’s mandatory contender in November of 2021, they ordered a purse bid and set it for January 14, 2022. Now the purse bid is being pushed back once again!
Demetrius Andrade already has eyes on either a unification fight at 160 or contemplating a move up to 168 pounds. Alimkhanuly has been on social media, chirping about his desire to fight Andrade. The hope is that the purse bid will finally take place on January 28. Keep your fingers crossed. Stay tuned 3Kings Boxing for additional updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
