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- Who: Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri
- What: WBO middleweight and IBF middleweight titles
- Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Fort Bend Community Center in Rosenberg, Texas.
- How to Watch: ESPN+
A middleweight title unification bout takes place on Saturday in Rosenberg, Texas, when WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly puts his title and perfect record on the line against unbeaten IBF middleweight titleholder Vincenzo Gualtieri. ESPN+ carries the live event. Here is some background on Alimkhanuly and Gualtieri before we discuss the betting odds, picks, and predictions of their upcoming 160-pound title fight.
Janibek Alimkhanuly (14-0 with nine knockouts) made his pro debut in 2016. A former amateur boxing world champ from Kazakhstan, Alimkhanuly captured the interim WBO title in May 2022. He was later awarded the WBO title when Demetrius Andrade vacated the belt later that year. Since then, Alimkhanuly has two title defenses to his name, defeating Denzel Bentley by decision and, most recently, scoring a second-round knockout of Steven Butler in May 2023. The Ring has Alimkhanuly rated as its No. 2 middleweight in the world.
Vincenzo Gualtieri (21-0-1 with seven KOs) turned pro in 2015. The German won the vacant IBF middleweight crown in July of this year when he scored a unanimous decision over Esquiva Falcao. Gualtieri is unrated at middleweight by The Ring.
Before looking at the betting odds and predictions for Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri, check out our betting picks for the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight and where you can find the best boxing picks.
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri betting picks
| Fighters |  |  |  |  |  |
| Janibek Alimkhanuly | -2000 | -1400 | -1109 | -1428 | -1109 |
| Vincenzo Gualtieri | +1000 | +700 | +709 | +583 | +709 |
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri betting picks
Boxing’s middleweight division hasn’t received a lot of attention as of late. The result of Saturday’s title unification bout between two undefeated fighters could change that. In that matchup, Janibek Alimkhanuly faces Vincenzo Gualtieri. The winner of the scrap, with two titles to their name, could be in line for a noteworthy follow-up fight.
Alimkhanuly has good technique, footwork, and power. He also displays a strong boxing IQ. Further, the WBO champ can determine what is working or not working for him against a particular opponent and change his approach based on that knowledge. At the same time, he also takes advantage of what his foe provides him during a fight. He has power in both hands, sound combinations, and the ability to fight inside and outside. He does his best work inside with his powerful uppercuts.
Gualtieri might be four years removed from his most recent knockout win, but don’t let the lack of KOs confuse you; Gualtieri is a solid boxer. He has good movement and a lot of speed. He relies on his jab to set up range, create separation, and back his foes up. Where Gualtieri excels is in his defense. Because of his skills and ability to score off his jab, Gualtieri is not someone any middleweight can take lightly.
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri – What’s at stake?
Look for the winner of Saturday’s title unification bout to call for a matchup against WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo. The 33-year-old American is 32-0, but he hasn’t defended his title since a unanimous decision win over Juan Macias Montiel in June 2021. Despite his inactivity, the WBC has not stripped Charlo of his title. The complicating factor of getting a fight with Charlo is that Carlos Adames, who is the No. 3 rated fighter at middleweight, is the WBC mandatory opponent for Charlo.
Best Bets for Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri
This fight could launch the victor onto bigger fight purses and more exposure in the sport. With that, expect both men to be focused and dialed in when they meet in Texas on Saturday. Patience is the name of the game in this matchup. If Janibek Alimkhanuly gets too ambitious, he may open himself up to the counters and jabs of Vincenzo Gualtieri. I don’t think that will happen. The betting favorite is the more skilled and powerful boxer. I believe Alimkhanuly will use those skills to slowly break down Gualtieri and get the knockout win in the second half of the fight. Betting on the Alimkhanuly to score a stoppage is where one will find betting value in this scrap.
Best bet for Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri: Janibek Alimkhanuly to win via knockout.
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