Janibek Alimkhanuly Vs. Erislandy Lara – How Does It Play Out?

A three-belt unification bout in the middleweight division may occur, as Janibek Alimkhanuly could face WBA champion Erislandy Lara.

Reports indicate this contest is being targeted for a December 6 card, which is headlined by Isaac Cruz vs. Lamont Roach. Alimkhanuly, the unified WBO and IBF champion, stopped Anauel Ngamissengue in April, extending his impressive four-fight knockout streak. He initially unified the division in October 2023 by adding the IBF title to his WBO in a stoppage win against Vincenzo Gualtieri, as he seeks the WBA title. Meanwhile, Lara has had the WBA belt since 2023. He has won his last two bouts, beating Michael Zerafa and Danny Garcia respectively. 

The Approach

Janibek’s key to victory is to impose his power and relentless pressure early, turning the bout into a scrap. Janibek’s knockout streak is built on his willingness to take the center of the ring. He must cut off Lara’s escape routes by using smart footwork to trap Lara against the ropes or in a corner. Instead of lunging, he should feint repeatedly to draw a reaction, then unleash his devastating straight left hand and a snapping right hook. An example of this pressure would be feinting to the body to drop Lara’s guard, then coming over the top with the straight left. 

Lara’s best path to victory is to turn the fight into a technical chess match. The 42-year-old Cuban southpaw’s primary weapon is his ring generalship and elusive defense. Lara will likely use lateral movement and head movement, making him a small target. He will rely heavily on his lead hand—the right jab or hook—to keep Janibek at the optimal distance. Lara’s recent knockout power suggests he can not be overlooked, but his true aim will be to win rounds clearly but cautiously.

An Alternative

If this fight does not happen, Denzel Bentley is ready to face Janibek after the latter beat him in their first fight.

“It’s coming up nearly three years since I boxed him. I’m maturing myself and that was a young Denzel just taking an opportunity back then. I’d only been a pro for five years whereas he’s a man with 300 amateur fights alone. I was an amateur for three years and only had 17 fights. The experience alone trumped me. Now three years down the line, I’ve had more tough fights, more championship fights and I’ve learned a lot about myself. I know what I’m in against this time because I’ve already been in there before,” Bentley said