Jacob Bank vs Zhanibek Alimkhanuly

This is a big jump up in class for Bank, and I wouldn’t dismiss him just because Alimkhanuly has the bigger reputation. Bank can box; he moves well behind his jab, and he’s shown he can stay patient before stepping up the pressure. Stopping Scull was a big statement, even allowing for how little ambition Scull showed.

What I like about Bank is his ability to change from moving to attacking without needing to plant himself for ages. His body punching could be important here. But those low hands worry me. Against Alimkhanuly, leaning away and trusting your reactions can leave you perfectly placed for the next punch. Bank needs to finish his combinations with his feet underneath him and a safe exit, because hanging around to admire his work would be asking for trouble.

For me, Alimkhanuly’s advantage is his judgement of distance. That southpaw jab gives him information, then the left hand and uppercut punish the openings. He doesn’t need an opponent to make a huge mistake. The question is whether he can impose that authority against a mobile, naturally bigger man. Bank must make him reset and work for his opportunities.

I expect Bank to have some good early spells, but I fancy Alimkhanuly to start timing his exits and catching him between attack and retreat. Bank’s movement will keep him competitive; I don’t trust his defensive habits against this level of precision. My pick is Alimkhanuly by decision.