The middleweight division doesn’t have the big names associated with it like it used to, something that annoys Janibek Alimkhanuly. Of course, we could take a trip down memory lane and discuss Hall of Fame greats such as Bernard Hopkins and Marvin Hagler, but their title reigns took place before Alimkhanuly even knew how to tie his shoes.

Around his own era, however, Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin were considered modern-day greats. And while Alimkhanuly was hoping to eventually face them, neither are realistic options. Alvarez is campaigning at 168 pounds and has no interest in shrinking back down in weight. Golovkin, on the other hand, is a complex puzzle to figure out. Although he still competes at 160 pounds, considering that he dropped both of his middleweight titles, it’s unlikely that he’ll get back into the mix.

It may not be the star-studded division that it once was, but Alimkhanuly is making the best of it. With the WBO title already in his possession, the 30-year-old is on the verge of his first unification bout as he eyes a matchup against newly crowned IBF champ, Vincenzo Gualtieri. with a deal nearly finalized for October 14.

As long as everything goes according to plan, Alimkhanuly (14-0, 9 KOs) will look to aggregate the rest of the middleweight titles. The WBA’s version is currently being held by Erislandy Lara. As for the WBC title, Jermall Charlo has the full version while Carlos Adames has the interim tag.

Alimkhanuly isn’t holding his breath when it comes to lining up a fight against Charlo. The 33-year-old hasn’t fought in over two years and the WBC sanctioning body has essentially given him full autonomy over their title, regardless if he fights or not.

At the moment, it’s unknown if, or when, Charlo will ever step foot inside the ring. So, with idle champ on the sidelines, Alimkhanuly has painted a bullseye on the back of Adames.

“Carlos Adames soon I will have two titles inshallah,” said Alimkhanuly on his social media account. “You take your WBC world title. And we will fight for three titles in the spring!”