Terence Crawford appears to have decided who he wants to fight following his victory over Canelo Alvarez in September.
Speculation has been growing as to who ‘Bud’ might choose to face next, and it appears that unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, 17-0 (12 KOs) is the man who is now in his crosshairs.
The mustachioed maestro puts his IBF and WBO world titles on the line against Cuban veteran and WBA champion Erislandy Lara in a southpaw battle on December 6. The Premier Boxing Champions card, which will take place at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, is headlined by the welterweight match between Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach.
Janibek vs. Lara is one of the most important fights in the current middleweight landscape. WBC titleholder Carlos Adames could be waiting in the wings for the winner, giving the 160-pound division the chance to produce its first four-belt champion since Jermain Taylor in 2005.
The opportunity to go undisputed in another division could then interest Crawford, 42-0 (31 KOs), who is just two months removed from the biggest victory of his career – against Canelo – which saw him capture the quartet of super middleweight titles and bring the belts home to Omaha, Nebraska.
Speaking after his historic win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Crawford made his feelings known.
“I’m going to sit down with my team and we’re going to discuss the future of Terence Crawford. Who knows? I might go down to 160 pounds.”
At a recent event, “Bud” was seated next to Janibek’s manager, Egis Klimas, and he appeared to be hinting at Crawford’s next move.
“We are here to look for you. We are looking for December 6th. [and] how are you going to do it.
Crawford then responded with a clear message.
“I have my eyes on you Janibek. Good luck!”
Could we see Crawford at ringside in Texas next month for Janibek-Lara, looking for his next target? It would be a much-needed boost for a middleweight division that has lacked star power in recent years.
