Lara promises to “hurt” Janibek in December 6 unification.

WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy Lara says he is coming to “hurt” IBF and WBO champion Janibek Alimkhnuly in their 12-round unification fight in 16 days on December 6, 2025, at Amazon Prime Video PPV at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

(Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)

Age Be Damned

Many are counting out the 41-year-old Cuban Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) because of his age and his 15-month layoff. However, he says he is going to prove that he is the better fighter and will look to knock out the younger fighter, the 32-year-old Janibek (17-0, 12 KOs).

Lara vs. Alimkhnuly is the co-feature on the Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Map. The event starts at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.

Crawford waits at 160

The winner of the Janibek-Lara fight will not only be a three-belt unified 160-lb champion, but they could potentially fight Terence Crawford if he chooses to come down to the middleweight title target the victor.

Crawford has not confirmed whether he will move down to 160. If he does, he will have the choice of fighting the winner of the Janubek vs. Erislandy fight or facing WBC champion Carlos Adames. It will show what kind of person Crawford is if he decides to fight Lara or Alimkhnuly.

Legacy on the Line

“Let people keep thinking that Janibek is the most dangerous guy in the division. We’ll see on December 6 if that holds,” says Lara. “This is the fight that will cement my legacy. I know what I have to do, and I am confident in my ability to emerge victorious. Everyone watching is going to see the best possible version of myself.”

It would be impressive if Lara defeats Janibek, as many boxing fans believe he is the best fighter in the middleweight division. Erislandy putting Janibek in his place would be a huge statement.

“Fans are going to see a Lara going in there to throw punches to hurt Janibek. I’m coming to hurt my opponent,” Lara said. “If I get the chance, I’m going to end the night early. If it goes the distance, you’ll see me win a beautiful fight.

“This fight means everything to me. It’s a unification fight, so if I win this fight, I’ll show everybody that I’m the best fighter at 160 pounds.”