The unification bout between IBF and WBO middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly and WBA champion Erislandy Lara is confirmed for December 6th in San Antonio, Texas, broadcasted on PBC via Prime Video PPV.
Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) and Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) will now be featured on the same fight card as Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs. Lamont Roach, serving as a key preliminary contest.
A Battle to Define the Middleweight Landscape
The inclusion of the Alimkhnuly-Lara match on the Cruz-Roach card, available on Amazon Prime Video PPV, was initially reported by Mike Coppinger.
Strategically, the Alimkhanuly and Lara clash is significant, given that the victor will unify three out of the four recognized championship belts in the 160-pound division.
Speculation suggests that Terence Crawford might consider a drop to the middleweight class, aiming to secure a title in his sixth weight category, and potentially pursue undisputed champion status in a fourth division.
Considering his experience and fight frequency, Crawford would likely aim to amass as many titles as possible. Consequently, the winner of the Janibek-Lara showdown could have a high probability of facing Crawford sometime in 2026.
The Resilient Veteran Steps Back Into the Ring
Lara, currently 42, has not competed since his TKO victory in the ninth round against Danny Garcia on September 14, 2024. His professional journey began in 2008, mirroring Crawford’s entry into the sport. Age does not seem to be a factor for him. He remains in peak condition, reminiscent of his performance during the closely contested 12-round split decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2014.
The left-handed Janibek presents a formidable challenge for Erislandy, particularly considering the 15-month hiatus since his triumph over Garcia. Lara possesses the necessary boxing skills and a strong jab to effectively manage Alimkhnuly’s aggression.
Janibek’s vulnerability lies in his endurance. His stamina noticeably declined in the later rounds of his bout against Denzel Bentley on November 12, 2022. Although he secured a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds, the fight highlighted a path to potentially defeating Janibek by extending the fight. His punching power diminishes as the fight progresses.
Tim Compton has been covering boxing since 2015, recognized for insightful analysis, technical expertise, and insider knowledge.
