It’s interesting to see the consistency with which Janibek Alimkhanuly has been expanding his footprint in the social media landscape. However, while most of his tweets exude enthusiasm, they also seem to reveal where his sights are set. It’s been some time since the 160-pound unified champion has been calling out Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. To that end, last week he even sought Turki Alalshikh‘s intervention: “Turki, give me Canelo, and you will see beautiful boxing, and you will be shocked!”
Earlier, an offhanded jibe saw him question Alvarez’s upcoming fight with William Scull. In his latest attempt, the Kazakh champion stepped up the mind games by publicly challenging the super middleweight champion. In front of a home crowd in Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 5, Janibek Alimkhanuly will face the Congolese-French Olympian Anauel Ngamissengue. The first unified title defense comes after a decisive victory over Andrei Mikhailovich in Australia last October.
Janibek Alimkhanuly: ‘Canelo,’ trouble is coming your way
“If he is ready, he is, and you know that I am ready!” said Janibek Alimkhanuly. It appears he had a script ready at hand, detailing how the fight could possibly unfold. According to him, though a match between him and Alvarez is not about money, it will nevertheless be a “hot day, a nervous day, and a stress day for Canelo!”
If he is ready, he is and you know that I am ready! And you all know what will happen! This is not going to be a payday. This is going to be a hot day, a nervous day, and a stress day for Canelo! pic.twitter.com/qanlHcbodp
— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@qazaqstyle) March 12, 2025
Roughly two years ago, after he wound up Steve Butler in the second round, Alimkhanuly issued a thunderous challenge. “Champions and the boxing superstars, where are you? I’m waiting; let’s fight,” he said, adding further, “I’m the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go fight.”
When asked whether the whole calling-out thing was planned, Alimkhanuly simply uttered, “Canelo and Charlo, I am coming.”
Come to think of it, the fight can happen. After all, to fight ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Terence Crawford is climbing up two weight classes. Janibek Alimkhanuly is a middleweight. The Kazakh champion compensates for the size and weight issue better than Crawford could.
The hurdles in this matchup
So what’s the problem? If one goes by ‘Canelo’s logic, Alimkhanuly’s resume lacks depth, which means he is yet to face a big name. Yes, he is a heavy hitter, and his last three fights have been impressive. But to merit a fight with ‘Canelo,’ he will have to first beat someone special. Fighting even fellow division mates, Erislandy Lara and Carlos Adames, won’t suffice, perhaps.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 04: Canelo Alvarez looks on from the corner against Jaime Munguia in their super middleweight championship title fight at T-Mobile Arena on May 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Alimkhanuly is not a PPV star on Crawford’s level. Outside of his home country, only the diehard fans are aware of his name and his fighting style. So that’s another empty checkbox. Another reason why Alvarez may not consider a matchup with Janibek Alimkhanuly. The Mexican icon signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. The itinerary for this year includes the Scull and Crawford fights. Next year, to avenge his 2022 loss, he may seek out Dmitry Bivol for a rematch.
That basically leaves the September/October 2026 slot. Given the hype surrounding the Benavidez matchup, a fight with Alimkhanuly – even if under discussion – may face further delay.
But that doesn’t mean the doors to thrilling matchups are closed for Janibek Alimkhanuly. Given the space he has created for himself, he could definitely opt for some bigger fights. Outside of 160 pounds, matchups against Caleb Plant or Edgar Berlanga sound intriguing. Within his division, a duel with Hamzah Sheeraz might draw considerable attention.
What’s your take? Should ‘Canelo’ take Alimkhanuly’s call-out seriously?
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