Sources: Alimkhanuly, Gualtieri set to unify titles

Janibek Alimkhanuly and Vincenzo Gualtieri have agreed to unify middleweight titles on Oct. 14 in Rosenberg, Texas, sources told ESPN.

Alimkhanuly, the WBO’s 160-pound champion, will headline a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card for the fourth consecutive outing. A 30-year-old from Kazakhstan, Alimkhanuly (14-0, 9 KOs) is ESPN’s No. 2 middleweight. The southpaw has made two defenses, both against fringe contenders.

Alimkhanuly is coming off a second-round KO of Steven Butler in May.

Gualtieri (21-0-1, 7 KOs) has never competed outside of his native Germany. The 30-year-old won the vacant IBF title last month with a decision victory over Esquiva Falcão.

Gualteri is rated No. 9 at middleweight by ESPN.