Top Rank is ready to showcase its next big middleweight star. Ready to prove he's a true unstoppable force, Janibek Alimkhanuly defends the WBO middleweight title against Steven Butler on May 13.
The Bob Arum-run promotion will produce the show on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S.
A 2013 World and Asian Championships gold medalist, Alimkhanuly turned pro in 2016. In May, he beat Danny Dignam via knockout to win the interim WBO title. He was on track to fight Demetrius Andrade for the regular title; however, Andrade vacated the belt to move to a new division.
In his last fight in November, Alimkhanuly, now promoted, beat Denzel Bentley to retain the title.
MORE: Sign up to watch Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler, exclusively on ESPN+
"All of the middleweights have run scared, so I give Steven Butler a lot of credit for accepting the fight," Janibek said. "I want to unify the division, but I cannot overlook Butler. He is a tough, powerful challenger, and I look forward to giving a tremendous show to the fans in Stockton and those watching on ESPN."
Butler turned pro in 2014. The Canadian is a multi-time title contender, losing against Ryota Murata in 2019 for the WBA middleweight title. Following that bout, he has gone 4-1 and is on a four-fight win streak. The 27-year-old, the NABF middleweight champion, last fought in December, beating Joshua Conley via unanimous decision.
"No detail will be spared in this training camp," said Butler. "Expect a big upset on May 13. I am confident that I will bring the belt back to Quebec."
Here is a complete guide for Janibek vs. Butler, including the start time, fight card, price, updated betting odds, and more.
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When is Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler?
- Date: Saturday, May 13 | Sunday, May 14
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT | 3 a.m. BST | 12 p.m. AEST
- Main event: 11:30 p.m. ET | 8:30 p.m. PT | 4:30 a.m. BST | 1:30 p.m. AEST (approx.)
The Top Rank-produced event takes place on Saturday, May 13. The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT | 3 a.m. BST | 12 p.m. AEST. Janibek Alimkhanuly and Steven Butler should be heading to the ring around 11:30 p..m ET | 8:30 p.m. PT | 4:30 a.m. BST | 1:30 p.m. AEST, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler
| Country | Date | Channel + Live Stream (main card) |
| United States | Sat. May 13 | ESPN+ |
| Canada | Sat. May 13 | TBA |
| United Kingdom | Sun. May 14 | TBA |
| Australia | Sun. May 14 | Main Event on Kayo |
In the U.S., Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler can be watched on ESPN+.
MORE: Sign up to watch Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler, exclusively on ESPN+
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler price: How much does the card cost?
You can pay $9.99 for a monthly subscription to ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $99.99.
| Product | Prices |
|---|---|
| ESPN+ Monthly Subscription | $9.99/month |
| ESPN+ Annual Subscription | $99.99/year |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported | $13.99/month |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads | $19.99/month |
Where is Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler?
Alimkhanuly vs. Butler will be inside the Stockton Arena in California. The venue can hold up to 12,000 people.
How much do tickets for Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler cost?
Tickets start at $39, per Ticket Smarter.
Prices then range from $50, $60, $70, $80, $90, $100, $200, $300, $400, $500, $600, and $700.
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler betting odds
Per Caesars, Janibek Alimkhanuly is the -3000 favorite, while Steven Butler is the +1300 underdog.
Janibek Alimkhanuly record and bio
- Nationality: Kazakhstani
- Born: April 1, 1993
- Height: 5-11 1/2
- Reach: 71.5 inches
- Total fights: 13
- Record: 13-0 with eight wins via knockout
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Steven Butler record and bio
- Nationality: Canadian
- Born: September 2, 1995
- Height: 5-11 1/2
- Reach: 75 inches
- Total fights: 36
- Record: 32-3-1 with 26 wins via knockout
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler fight card
- Janibek Alimkhanuly (c) vs. Steven Butler for the WBO middleweight title
- Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio for the WBO bantamweight title
- Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Derrick Murray