Janibek Alimkhnuly communicated today via X, suggesting he would “willingly” like to encounter Terence Crawford should he opt to descend to 160 to vie for a global title. Crawford must secure a world title at middleweight to achieve the status of a six-division world champion.
Middleweight Competitors Awaiting in the Division
The current IBF and WBO middleweight titleholder Janibek (17-0, 12 KOs) is among the three world champions at 160, and is regarded by numerous boxing authorities as the premier combatant in the weight class.
Crawford might discover it less challenging to confront WBA middleweight titleholder Erislandy Lara or WBC titleholder Carlos Adames for their respective belts. The 42-year-old Lara could represent a more secure option for Crawford given that he would not be subjected to as much physical damage as he would if he selected to battle Adames or Janibek for their titles.
In contrast to Canelo, these pugilists will not experience fatigue after eight rounds, nor will they display reluctance to engage in offensive maneuvers as Canelo did. Crawford would face a relentless offensive, requiring him to depend on his agility to prevent being overwhelmed by these younger adversaries.
Madrimov Already Revealed Weaknesses
They arguably land strikes with more force than Israil Madrimov, who presented Crawford with considerable difficulties during their contest on May 3, 2024. Crawford may perceive it as a certainty that he can transition to 160 and seize world titles simply because he defeated Canelo Alvarez at 168. The situation differs significantly with middleweight champions Adames and Alimkhnuly. They remain in their peak condition, and would likely exhibit a markedly higher degree of aggression than the weary, diminished-looking Alvarez did.
The undetermined aspect pertains to whether Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) will elect to reduce his weight from 168, as he secured the undisputed super middleweight championship on September 13, unseating Canelo Alvarez through a 12-round unanimous decision.
Crawford’s Reputation at Stake
Crawford possesses avenues should he opt to remain at 168, but these avenues entail substantial peril for him. The contenders in close proximity could potentially defeat him and jeopardize his legacy and ambitions of earning a place on the list of all-time greats. Descending to 160 might constitute the more prudent maneuver for Crawford, who will reach the age of 38 on September 28.
If Crawford agreed to fight me, I would gladly face him. And our fight would be the kind of match every fan would watch with excitement, not wanting to miss a single second.
— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@qazaqstyle) September 24, 2025
