Resorts World in Las Vegas hosts world class action this Saturday night, and at the top of the Top Rank bill, the vacant WBO Interim title is at stake at middleweight, with England’s Danny Dignum undertaking a big test against Kazakh talent, Janibek Alimkhanuly.
ESPN+ televise Janibek vs Dignum live in the USA, whilst the card is available to viewers outside of the USA on the Top Rank YouTube channel.
The current WBO middleweight title situation is unclear, with full champion, Demetrius Andrade, pulling out of a scheduled super middleweight contest with Zach Parker at Derby’s Pride Park this month due to injury.
It’s not clear whether Andrade will vacate his belt, but Alimkhanuly and Dignum will hope to be upgraded to full champion, or receive a shot at Andrade, with a win here.
A former world amateur champion, Janibek (11-0, KO7) also appeared at the 2016 Olympics, eliminated at the quarter final stage.
He has made serene progress in the paid ranks so far, and 2021 was a breakout year for the 29-year-old based in Oxnard, California.
First, ‘Qazak Style’ forced former world champion Rob Brant to retire after eight rounds of action, and his last outing came in November last year, where he dominated and stopped another former world champion in Hasan N’Dam N’Jikam, also in eight.
It’s a tall order then for Essex’s Dignum (14-0-1, 8) KOs, who has been climbing the WBO rankings since winning the vacant WBO European belt in November 2019, stopping Conrad Cummings in five rounds.
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After a successful first defence, the 30-year-old had a tough nights’ work against Andrey Sirotkin, where he was badly cut and eventually had to settle for a split draw.
The unbeaten southpaw was last out in February, stopping Grant Dennis in six frames.
Prediction: It’s a first scheduled twelve rounder for Dignum, and he is facing a massive prospect in Janibek. I think the Kazakh will be too skilful for the Londoner, and he can end matters by the halfway mark.
.@QazaqStyle knocked him through the bottom rope 🤭#JanibekDignum | MAY 21 | ESPN pic.twitter.com/W3cpGAPyxR
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 18, 2022
Herring returns at lightweight
Former world champion, Jamel Herring (23-3, 11 KOs) continues his career, and the 36-year-old moves up to lightweight to take on Jamaine Ortiz over ten rounds.
Herring’s impressive reign as WBO super featherweight champion came to an abrupt end in his last fight, where he was dominated and stopped by Shakur Stevenson, and Ortiz (15-0-1, 8 KOs) should be a gentle introduction to the 135 pound division.
‘The Technician’ drew with Joseph Adorno in April last year, where he was on the canvas twice, and he returned with a ten round decision win over Nahir Albright in February.
Prediction: Herring, who has switched trainers from Brian McIntyre to Manny Robles, can get back to winning ways on the scorecards.
Remaining Undercard
At super featherweight, former WBO super bantamweight world champion, Jessie Magdaleno (28-1, 18 KOs) should have too much for Edy Valencia Mercado (19-6-6, 7 KOs), but may need the distance for the win.
At featherweight, Adam Lopez (15-3, 6 KOs) can take a points verdict against William Encarnacion (19-2, 15 KOs).
Karlos Balderas (12-1, 11 KOs) can notch an early win against Colombia’s Ruben Cervera (13-2, 11 KOs) at super featherweight, and at light heavyweight, Louis Rose (17-3-1, 7 KOs) could find Steven Nelson (17-0, 14 KOs) too much to handle, and I favour Nelson for a stoppage win.
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In six round action, Duke Ragan (5-0, 1 KO) should be able to outpoint Victorino Gonzalez (5-2, 2 KOs) at featherweight, while at welterweight, Delante Johnson (3-0, 2 KOs) can do the same against Argentina’s Agustin Gerbaldo Kucharski (8-4-1, 3 KOs).
Year of the 🐅@TigerJohnson216 returns on Saturday’s #JanibekDignum main card. pic.twitter.com/6YTPVC2V4C
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 16, 2022
Giovanni Cabrera (19-0, 7 KOs) can remain unbeaten in his lightweight contest with Elias Damian Araujo (21-4, 8 KOs) with a points win.
At super lightweight, Kasir Goldston (4-0, 1 KO) can win early against Yainiel Alvarez Telemaco (2-1, 1 KO).
The sole four rounder is at lightweight, where Charlie Sheehy (2-0, 2 KOs) should take care of Burnell Jenkins (2-1, 1 KO) inside schedule.
