Last week, WBO / IBF middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (pictured) was hospitalized for dehydration days before a scheduled title defense, forcing the postponement of the July 13th-scheduled bout against Andrei Mikhailovich. The WBO issued a letter to Alimkhanuly stating, "Team Zhanibek is ordered to submit within the next ten days [...] a detailed medical explanation of his condition, including but not limited to medical findings, recovery prognosis, and his physician’s opinion as to when will Zhanibek be physically and medically cleared to compete and return to active competition."

 

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JULY 12, 2024: WBO/IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s title defense against Andrei Mikhailovich at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas after being hospitalized Thursday evening due to dehydration. “Janibek was cutting the final pounds last night when he fainted,” said Egis Klimas, Alimkhanuly's manager. “We immediately took him to Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he was put on an IV. While the scans showed no kidney damage, he was severely dehydrated and in no condition to fight.” The ten-round lightweight showdown between undefeated contender Raymond Muratalla and former 130-pound champion Tevin Farmer has been elevated to the main event. Muratalla-Farmer and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT.