As the boxing world watches Terence Crawford closely, speculation arises about his next strategic move in pursuit of a coveted matchup with boxing champion Canelo Alvarez. The uncertainty surrounding whether Canelo will accept a fight with Crawford in May 2025 puts the latter at a crossroads in his career. Reports suggest that to increase his chances of landing a fight with the renowned Mexican boxer, Crawford may need to ascend to the middleweight division and face Janibek Alimkhanuly, a formidable opponent with an unblemished record of 16-0 and 11 knockouts.
Crawford’s planned ascent to 160 pounds is more than a mere step—it’s a towering leap that presents various challenges. Opting to engage with a champion like Janibek could be pivotal, yet it also introduces the risk of facing a fighter who not only has height on him but also significant power. Standing at 5’10”, Janibek presents a physical challenge that could spell trouble for Crawford, regardless of his technical acumen and recent accolades.
Crawford’s current status at 154 pounds complicates matters significantly. Remaining in this weight category may afford him opportunities against other belt-holders. However, it could also lead to judgment from both Canelo and fans, who might argue that his presence in the junior middleweight division is insufficiently impressive for a fighter of Canelo’s stature. Canelo himself has previously cited the vast weight discrepancy as a significant factor in not considering a match-up with Crawford. If Crawford remains stagnant at 154, he risks being overshadowed by the champions of this division, like IBF champion Bakhram Muratazaliev or WBC and WBO champion Sebastian Fundora, potentially ending his hopes for a future bout with Canelo altogether.
Crawford’s illustrious career, highlighted by his ascent to the undisputed welterweight champion in 2023, positions him well in boxing history but does little to guarantee future opportunities. With a pristine record of 41 wins and no losses, including 31 knockouts, he has previously dominated at the welterweight level for five years. Transitioning to the junior middleweight class merely a year ago may have established a new chapter in his career, yet it is imperative that he capitalizes on this momentum with decisive actions.
His promoter, Turki Alalshikh, faces immense pressure to secure a high-profile fight with Canelo, but the reality is that Canelo’s priorities might not align with Crawford’s ambitions. Given Alvarez’s established wealth and stature—boasting a net worth exceeding $250 million—monetary incentives may not be sufficient to entice him into the ring with Crawford, particularly if the latter is perceived as a smaller opponent with a conservative fighting strategy that favors decision victories over raw power.
Terence Crawford’s journey towards a coveted match with Canelo Alvarez is fraught with challenges. Should Crawford make the strategic choice to ascend to 160 pounds and challenge a strong competitor like Janibek Alimkhanuly, he might enhance his credibility and visibility. However, the implications of remaining at 154 pose a significant threat to his aspirations. The boxing world remains keenly focused on Crawford’s next steps, wondering if he has the fortitude and strategy necessary to secure a fight with one of the sport’s biggest stars.