“I have my eyes on you”

Terence Crawford has sent a message to IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhnuly, saying he will have his “eyes” on him in his unification fight against WBA champion Erislandy Lara on December 6.

Crawford can move down to 160 to face the winner of the Lara vs. Challenging Alimkhnuly fight. Janibek (17-0, 12 KOs) and Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) are the joint match on the Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs. Lamont Roach event on Amazon Prime Video PPV at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Eyes on December 6

“I have my eyes on you, Janibek. Good luck,” said Terence Crawford.

It is not a certainty that Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) will face the winner of the Janibek-Lara fight. If Turki Alalshikh has a better financial deal for Crawford, he will likely go in a different direction.

Canelo Rematch Still Possible

The Omaha, Nebraska native is still waiting to see what falls into his lap after his 12-round unanimous decision victory over Canelo Alvarez on September 13, 2025. If the Mexican star Alvarez chooses to demand a rematch, Crawford will take that option.

It’s a bigger payday for him, and he’s already proven he can beat him. It was a close affair, but Crawford did enough to show he was the better man on the night.

“Hey, Janibek. We’re here next. Looking for December 6th, how you gonna do it,” said manager Egis Klimas, who was sitting next to Crawford.

🧐😁 thanks bro ✊ pic.twitter.com/gkEwZZHuBW

— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@kazaqstyle) 30 October 2025

Lara’s Cuban Challenge

It is far from a sure win for Janibek who takes on 42-year-old Erislandy. It’s a significant upgrade for 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Alimkhanuly, considering the fighters he’s faced of late. He has not fought a smooth boxer like the Cuban Lara before in the pro ranks, and this will be the first time he fights someone from Cuba.

It doesn’t matter to Crawford who emerges victorious in the Lara vs. Janibek battle not. If he moves down to go for his sixth division world title, one of those fighters will work for him.