By Carey Iona (The Flyin Hawaiian)
The middleweight division is poised for a significant consolidation of power as undefeated Kazakh phenom Zhanibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly and seasoned Cuban veteran Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara have reportedly agreed to a three-belt title unification clash before the end of the year.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate the fight is set for December 6th in San Antonio, Texas, where it is expected to serve as a high-profile co-feature on a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card headlined by Isaac Cruz vs. Lamont Roach.
The Stakes
The matchup pits the power and youth of one champion against the experience and slick defense of another, with a majority of the 160-pound crown on the line:
- Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs): The unified IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion, Alimkhanuly has rapidly established himself as one of the most avoided fighters in the sport. His “Qazaq Style,” a menacing southpaw blend of technical skill and concussive power, has resulted in a four-fight knockout streak. At 32, he is viewed by many as the division’s current boogeyman and its future standard-bearer.
- Erislandy Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs): The reigning WBA Middleweight Champion, Lara is boxing’s oldest current titleholder at 42. Despite his age, the Cuban master remains an elite defensive talent, capable of befuddling opponents with his lateral movement and precise counter-punching. He proved his enduring power in his last outing, stopping former champion Danny Garcia in September 2024. For Lara, this is a chance to solidify his legacy with a signature unification victory late in a brilliant career.
Youth vs. Craft: A Defining Battle
The stylistic clash is what makes this fight so compelling.
Alimkhanuly has consistently called for unification bouts, showing a confidence in his power to bypass even the slickest defense. His primary challenge will be cutting off the ring and negating Lara’s elusive tactics. If he can corner the Cuban and land his trademark straight left hand, he has the power to end the night early.
Lara, conversely, will look to turn the contest into a tactical chess match. His decades of experience against world-class opposition—including a famous fight with Canelo Álvarez—will be his greatest weapon. He will aim to frustrate the younger champion, forcing him into mistakes and punishing him with sharp counter-hooks.
The Road to Undisputed
The winner of the Alimkhanuly-Lara unification will walk away with three of the four major middleweight titles (WBA, IBF, and WBO). This outcome immediately sets the stage for a push toward undisputed status, with the only remaining belt being the WBC title, currently held by Carlos Adames.
Furthermore, the winner is expected to become the leading target for names rumored to be moving up in weight, including pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, whose potential move to 160 pounds could define the division for the next few years.
For now, the focus is squarely on December 6th, as the middleweight division braces for a contest that will crown a unified king and potentially launch the winner into boxing superstardom.
