Alimkhanuly-Gualtieri October 14 in the USA

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. Top Rank
Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. Top Rank

On October 14, at the Top Rank boxing evening in Houston, a middleweight unification fight between the WBO world champion will take place Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (14-0, 9 KOs) and IBF champion Vincenzo Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs).

Alimkhanuly, 30, last fought in May, defeating Stephen Butler by knockout. Gualtieri has been the holder of the International Boxing Federation belt since July.

The WBA middleweight belt is currently held by Erislandy Lara, while the WBC champion is Jermall Charlo, who has not competed in two years.