Lara Promises To “Hurt” Janibek In Dec. 6 Unification

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

(Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)

Age Be Damned

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

Lara vs. Alimkhnuly is the co-feature on the Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs. Lamont Roach card. The event begins at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

Crawford Waiting at 160

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

Crawford hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll move down to 160. If he does, he would have the choice of fighting the winner of the Janubek vs. Erislandy fight or face WBC champion Carlos Adames. It’ll 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,” said Lara.“This is the fight that will solidify my legacy. I know what I need to do, and I’m confident in my ability to come out victorious. Everyone watching is going to see the best possible version of myself.”

That would be impressive if Lara defeated Janibek, as many boxing fans believe he’s 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 that’s going in there to throw punches to hurt Janibek. I’m coming to hurt my opponent,” said Lara. “If I get the opportunity, I’m gonna 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 everyone that I’m the best fighter at 160 pounds.”