Janibek Alimkhanuly, the current IBF and WBO middleweight champion, remains a notable force in the boxing world with a fight record of 16 wins and no losses, including 11 knockouts. His rise to prominence follows his remarkable journey as a 2016 Olympian, and he has now set his sights on unifying titles with WBA champion Erislandy Lara. This ambition for a title unification clash is not merely a step towards a gold-studded career but also a defining moment that holds the potential to elevate Alimkhanuly’s legacy within the sport.
While Alimkhanuly’s ambitions are commendable, his path appears fraught with obstacles. Despite numerous attempts to draw interest from other prominent fighters in the division—such as Hamzah Sheeraz, Chris Eubank Jr., and Carlos Adames—he has yet to find a suitable challenger in the current landscape. The reluctance of these fighters to step into the ring with Alimkhanuly stems from a fear of confronting a skilled opponent whose powerful punches can easily transform a bout into a nightmare for any contender.
Erislandy Lara, at 41 years old, has established himself as a seasoned champion. His professional record reads 31 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws, with 19 knockouts to his name. Lara’s defensive strategy and careful matchmaking have allowed him to maintain his WBA middleweight title, albeit against less formidable opponents. His recent matches—victories over Danny Garcia, Michael Zerafa, and Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan—indicate a pattern of selecting easier fights that guarantee financial stability without the risk of losing his title.
The crux of the matter lies in the hesitance of established fighters like Lara to engage with Alimkhanuly, who poses a legitimate threat to their current standings. Lara’s financial success, although not as grand as that of big names like Canelo Alvarez, is reliable enough to dissuade him from taking daring risks that could see him relinquish his title—and, consequently, his safety net of easier paydays. The potential of fighting Alimkhanuly, thus, looks less appealing and more daunting as he approaches the twilight of his career.
The idea of a matchup between Alimkhanuly and Lara hinges not only on their willingness to fight but also on logistical support. Prominent figures such as Turki Alalshikh, who have shown interest in financing high-profile boxing events, could be pivotal in bringing this unification match to life. Without such backing, the fight remains at a standstill, with both fighters weighing the benefits against the risks involved.
While Janibek Alimkhanuly’s pursuit of a unification match against Erislandy Lara is ambitious, the realities of boxing politics—the fears of risk from established champions, financial considerations, and the ever-important role of promotion—make the dream match seem elusive. Boxing fans worldwide keenly await the outcome of these discussions, hoping that both fighters can overcome the adversities and deliver a riveting encounter that would mark a significant chapter in middleweight boxing history.