Janibek Alimkhanuly set for homecoming fight against challenger Anauel Ngamissengu

April 5: Janibek Alimkhanuly vs Anauel Ngamissengu

Undefeated Unified Middleweight World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs), is set to make history in his homeland as he becomes the first Kazakh Unified World Champion to defend his titles on home soil, against challenger Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs).

This monumental night of boxing will take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in the heart of Astana, Kazakhstan, staged by Nomad Promotions, a brand-new promotions company making an unprecedented debut with this landmark occasion.

Billed as "Homecoming," the event represents a defining moment for Kazakhstan, blending the country’s rich boxing heritage with the rise of a global star.

Fans and fighters of Kazakhstan have been deprived of seeing their World Champions in the flesh. Stars such as Gennady Golovkin, and in his career to date Janibek Alimkhalnuly, have won and defended their titles predominantly  in the U.S.

This marquee event, created by Nomad Promotions, signifies a changing in the tide as fans across the region and around the world will now witness a champion’s return as Alimkhanuly defends his IBF and WBO Middleweight World Titles against the  formidable Anauel Ngamissengue.

31-year-old Alimkhanuly first won a world title in 2022, with a unanimous decision win over Britain's Denzel Bentley. He then defended that WBO belt via TKO against Canadian Steven Butler, before adding the IBF strap with a sixth-round stoppage of German Vicenzo Gualtieri.

His last fight was in Australia, in October 2024, defeating New Zealand's Russian-born Andrei Mikhailovich in the ninth.

IBF #7 Ngamissengue is unbeaten in 14 bouts as a professional. As an amateur, he competed in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, eliminated by Ilyas Abbadi in the round of 32.

29 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Anauel hasn't competed in any championship contests yet but has taken part in a 10-rounder, which he cut short with a stoppage in the seventh stanza.

Defending World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly, said: “Kazakh Style’ is finally coming home. April 5 will be a memorable night as I defend my WBO and IBF world titles against a top opponent. Many fighters turned down this opportunity, so I credit Anauel for accepting the challenge. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and Anauel in my way. The fans in Kazakhstan and everyone watching worldwide will see something special.”

Kazakhstan boasts a proud tradition in boxing, with over 23 Olympic medalists and global legends such as Gennady Golovkin, Serik Sapiyev, and Vassiliy Jirov. However, this will mark the first-ever world title defence in modern history to take place in the country, showcasing Kazakhstan’s emergence as a force on the global boxing stage.

Promoter, Scott Murray, of Nomad Promotions, said: “This is everything fight fans dream of. Two undefeated fighters, two world titles on the line, and one historic night. Organizing this historic night has been a labor of love for our team. We are committed to developing the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan, and there’s no better way to do that than by hosting a world title fight featuring our very own Janibek Alimkhanuly. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are honored to be part of this milestone. It is going to be a great, historic moment for both the sport and the country and the first of many events we bring to Kazakhstan.”

Top Rank Chairman, Bob Arum, said: “Janibek Alimkhanuly is a supreme talent and the very best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has tremendous support in Kazakhstan, and we are pleased that he’ll have the opportunity to defend his world titles in front of his adoring home fans. Anauel is a tough opponent, but Janibek is in a class of his own.”

French-Congolese Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, looks to follow in the footsteps of Ilanga Makabu by bringing the World Titles back to the Congo. The fierce punching middleweight brings an immense amount of confidence to the ring along with his unblemished record.

Undefeated Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, said: "Thank you for this long-awaited opportunity—after almost a year of fighting for a chance, this is the most important moment of my career. I know I’m going into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this. I respect Janibek and everything he’s achieved, but I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top. See you on April 5."

With his unbeaten record and growing legacy, Janibek Alimkhanuly continues to inspire as he leads Kazakh boxing into a new era. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event in April 2025, where sport and national pride will collide in an unforgettable spectacle.

In addition to the highly anticipated main event, fans can expect a stacked undercard featuring rising stars and local talent, as well as a showcase of the grassroots initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of Kazakh boxers.

Tickets for "Homecoming" will go on sale from Monday 10th February 2025, with exclusive pre-sale access available at www.nomad-promotions.com. The fight will be aired on ESPN+ in the U.S.

Alimkhanuly is ESPN's No.1 middleweight, while Ngamissengue is No.7.