Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andrei Mikhailovich undercard: Complete list of fights before main event in 2024 boxing match

Tom Naghten

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andrei Mikhailovich undercard: Complete list of fights before main event in 2024 boxing match image

No Limit Boxing

Kazakhstan's Janibek Alimkhanuly will look to defend his IBF middleweight title against the unbeaten Andrei Mikhailovich in Sydney on October 4.

Despite holding both the IBF and WBO straps at 160-pounds, Alimkhanuly will be making the long trip to Australia after his promoter, Top Rank, lost the purse bid by $1,000 to No Limit Boxing.

The WBO title won't be on the line, meaning the 31-year-old must weigh in no more than 10 pounds above the contracted weight on the morning of the fight, a task made all the more difficult given this bout, originally scheduled for July in Las Vegas, was pulled at the last minute after Alimkhanuly fainted during the final stages of his cut.

MORE: Challenger Andrei Mikhailovich’s warning for ‘stupid’ and ‘arrogant’ Janibek Alimkhanuly

Adding to the champion's challenges, he is due to arrive just two days before the fight, giving him little time to overcome any jetlag.

Despite all that, the Auckland-based Mikhailovich remains a significant underdog in this one.

Take a look at the full fight card below:

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andrei Mikhailovich fight card

Janibek Alimkhanuly (c) vs. Andrei Mikhailovich

  • Division/Weight: Middleweight
  • Alimkhanuly record: 15-0, 10 KOs
  • Mikhailovich record: 21-0, 13 KOs
  • Belts at stake: IBF middleweight title
  • Rounds: 12

The main event sees two undefeated middleweights go head to head for the IBF belt.

Alimkhanuly has quickly established himself as one of the premier names in the division, most recently scoring knockout wins over Steven Butler and Vincenzo Gualtieri.

In Mikhailovich, the champion has a young and hungry contender in front of him.

Born in Russia, Mikhailovich and his brother were adopted as infants and moved to New Zealand.

Since turning pro in 2018, Mikhailovich has emerged as one of the best middleweights in the region and now he's out to announce himself to the world.

Having fought just half a round in the past 18 months, the Kiwi will need to hit the ground running in this one.


Mea Motu vs. Shannon O'Connell

  • Division/Weight: 56.85kg catchweight
  • Motu record: 19-0, 7 KOs
  • O'Connell record: 24-7, 12 KO
  • Rounds: 8

A bout fitting of the co-main position sees two of the region's most experienced and credentialed women face off.

It's been a dramatic week for Motu, who learned her October 27 fight with IBF and WBO super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney was off due to an injury to the English champion.

Not content with waiting around, Motu has agreed to take on three-time world title challenger "Shotgun" Shannon O'Connell in a trans-Tasman showdown which promises fireworks.


Charlie Kazzi vs. Lui Magaiva

  • Division/Weight: Lightweight
  • Kazzi record: 6-0, 2 KOs
  • Magaiva record: 4-6, 1 KO
  • Rounds: 8

An emerging talent in the lightweight division, 19-year-old Charlie Kazzi will be hoping to make a statement in his hometown.

Kazzi takes on Papua New Guinean journeyman Lui Magaiva in a bout the Sydneysider should be winning.


Ahmed Reda vs. Joe Kara

  • Division/Weight: Lightweight
  • Reda record: 2-0, 2 KOs
  • Kara record: 5-6-1, 5 KOs
  • Rounds: 4

Kicking off the card, Reda looks to remain unbeaten against PNG's Kara.

Also from Sydney, Reda has yet to need the judges over his first two professional fights and will be eyeing off another quick night in this one.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.