Janibek Alimkhanuly returns to defend his unified IBF and WBO middleweight titles against Andi Ngamissengue this Saturday, with the action streaming live on ESPN+ starting at 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT / 4 PM BST.

The main event kicks off around 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT / 7:30 PM BST. And while Janibek keeps swinging at the shadows of a faded division, at least he’s staying active. Let’s be honest—the middleweight scene is on life support. But Janibek keeps showing up and punching through the fog.

Fight Start Times

Undercard Start: 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT / 4:00 PM BST
Main Event Ring Walks: 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT / 7:30 PM BST
Streaming: Live on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
Tickets: This one’s for the streamers

Janibek vs. Ngamissengue: The Champ Stays Busy

Janibek (16-0, 11 KOs) isn’t ducking. He just doesn’t have much to pick from. Most top contenders want nothing to do with him. So he takes on Andi Ngamissengue, a solid fighter—but let’s not pretend it’s a blockbuster.

Meanwhile, talks are already swirling for Janibek to face Shakiel Thompson (13-0, 9 KOs) in April or May back home in Kazakhstan. It’s not ideal. But in a division where no one wants smoke, Thompson’s the best option left standing.

Bakhodir Jalolov Returns

Also featured on Saturday’s ESPN+ stream is the return of Bakhodir Jalolov, the Olympic gold medalist heavyweight who hasn’t fought in over a year. He was meant to co-main in Montreal earlier this week but pulled out last minute. Now he’s getting rounds in—finally.

Jalolov’s got the tools. But he needs to start fighting people who hit back. Let’s hope this is step one.

Fight Card

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs Ngamissengue; middleweight, for the IBF and WBO titles
Sultan Zaurbek vs Azinga Fuzile; junior lightweight
Batyrzhan Jukembayev vs Kane Gardner; junior welterweight
Bakhodir Jalolov vs Ihor Shevadzutskyi; heavyweight
Otabek Kholmatov vs Jason Canoy Manigos; featherweight
Balaussa Muzdiman vs Maria Theresa Pinili; bantamweight
Makhmud Sabyrkhan vs Nicolas Tordecilla; super bantamweight
Torekhan Sabyrkhan vs Jiri Hauke; welterweight
Akniet Alimbay vs Josef Dubsky; welterweight

Fight Event Summary

Event: Janibek vs. Ngamissengue
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Undercard Start: 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT / 4:00 PM BST
Main Event Ring Walks: 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT / 7:30 PM BST
Location: TBA
Where to Watch: Live on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
Headline Fights:
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andi Ngamissengue – IBF & WBO Middleweight Titles
Bakhodir Jalolov – Heavyweight Bout