Janibek Alimkhnuly posted right now on X, saying he would “gladly” wish to face Terence Crawford if he chooses to maneuver right down to 160 to problem for a world title. Crawford must win a world title at middleweight to develop into a six-division world champion.
Middleweight Sharks Ready in Deep Waters
The IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek (17-0, 12 KOs) is considered one of three world champions at 160, and is taken into account by many boxing specialists as the most effective fighter within the division.
Crawford would seemingly have a neater time difficult WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara or WBC champion Carlos Adames for his belt. The 42-year-old Lara is likely to be the safer guess for Crawford as a result of he wouldn’t should take as a lot punishment as he would if he selected to struggle Adames or Janibek for his or her titles.
Not like Canelo, these fighters received’t tire after eight rounds, nor will they be hesitant to assault as he was. Crawford can be underneath a continuing bombardment, and he must depend on his motion to save lots of him from getting labored over by these youthful fighters.
Madrimov Already Uncovered the Cracks
They arguably hit more durable than Israil Madrimov, who gave Crawford quite a lot of issues of their struggle on Could 3, 2024. Crawford might imagine it’s a on condition that he can transfer right down to 160 and snatch world titles as a result of he beat Canelo Alvarez at 168. It’s a distinct story with middleweight champions Adames and Alimkhnuly. They’re each nonetheless of their primes, and would seemingly present much more aggression than the drained, depleted-looking Alvarez did.
What’s unclear is whether or not Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) will select to return down in weight from 168, as he captured the undisputed tremendous middleweight championship on September 13, dethroning Canelo Alvarez through 12-round unanimous resolution.
Crawford’s Legacy on the Line
Crawford has choices if he chooses to remain at 168, however they entail quite a lot of danger for him. The fighters on his doorstep may defeat him and smash his legacy and goals of being included on the all-time nice listing. Transferring right down to 160 is likely to be the safer transfer for Crawford, who turns 38 on September 28.
If Crawford agreed to struggle me, I might gladly face him. And our struggle can be the sort of match each fan would watch with pleasure, not desirous to miss a single second.
— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@qazaqstyle) September 24, 2025
