Alimkhnuly Eyes Crawford Fight

IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhnuly has put Terence Crawford on notice. 

Alimkhnuly is eying Crawford, with reports Bud could move down to 160 to target a belt in a sixth weight class. Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez at 168 to become the undisputed super middleweight champion, making him undisputed in a third weight class. Bud has vacated his WBA Junior Middleweight Belt, while ruling out a David Benavidez fight, as a move to 160 could present itself. Erislandy Lara (WBA champion) Carlos Adames (WBC champion) and Alimkhnuly could also be in the running for Bud. 

The Approach

Crawford would utilize his footwork and counter-punching to stay outside of the middleweight champion’s power range. His goal would be to disrupt Janibek’s rhythm, relying on quick, clean punches to score points and frustrate the bigger man. As seen in his performance against Canelo Alvarez, Crawford has the ability to beat a naturally larger opponent.

Alimkhnuly possesses two major advantages: size and power. He is a natural middleweight known for his “Qazaq Style,” which involves a powerful southpaw stance and the use of awkward angles that make him difficult to time. Janibek’s strategy would be to utilize his size to cut off the ring and relentlessly pressure Crawford. His best chance to win is to impose his superior power and force a war in the center of the ring, testing Crawford’s durability at a weight class. Alimkhnuly was ready for the chance to face Bud.

“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,” Alimkhnuly said