On December 6, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, we’re getting a rare treat: a middleweight unification bout that’s less “fight of the year” and more “chess match with haymakers.” Erislandy Lara, the grizzled Cuban-American maestro, puts his WBA middleweight strap on the line against Janibek Alimkhanuly, the undefeated Kazakh wrecking ball holding the IBF and WBO titles. 

I’m here to break it down, throw in some unsolicited wisdom, and make my call.

Breaking Down The Fighters:

Erislandy Lara: the 42-year-old southpaw wizard nicknamed “The American Dream” – because nothing says “American Dream” like defecting from Cuba in 2008 and turning yourself into a walking highlight reel of evasion and precision.

With a record of 31-3-3 (19 KOs), Lara’s no stranger to the spotlight. He’s held world titles in two divisions. His style? Pure Cuban clinic: slippery footwork that makes opponents swing at shadows, a piston-like jab to keep distance, and counters that land like whispered threats. Remember his dismantling of Brian Castaño in 2021? That was peak Lara: untouchable, and surgical.

The only problem here is age if you ask me. His chin’s held. At 5’9″ with a 73-inch reach, he’s compact and explosive, but four decades in the trenches mean his reflexes might betray him in the late rounds. Lara thrives on frustration – he’ll circle, potshot, and steal rounds on the cards. If he can make Alimkhanuly chase ghosts for 12, this becomes his masterpiece. The dream lives… until it doesn’t.

Janibek Alimkhanuly: the 32-year-old phenom who’s 17-0 (12 KOs) and fights like he invented the word “relentless.” Dubbed “Qazaq Style,” this 6’0″ southpaw southpaw (yeah, mirror-image trouble) hails from Kazakhstan and brings a massive amateur pedigree with him.  He’s unified the IBF and WBO belts by steamrolling contenders – think 11 straight stoppages before a couple of decisions against the craftier types. His toolkit? A thudding left hand that echoes like thunder, relentless forward pressure, and a body attack that turns midsections into modern art (all mushy and abstract). Volume punching, high work rate, and an amateur base mean he adapts mid-fight, turning scrambles into symphonies of punishment.

Alimkhanuly’s not invincible – a few bouts have gone the distance, showing he can be outboxed by elite movers. But at his peak athleticism, with a 72-inch reach and that awkward southpaw geometry, he’s a nightmare for anyone who likes space. He’s stopped guys bigger and badder, and his cardio is the stuff of legends.. Against Lara? Expect Janibek to cut angles, swarm the body early, and turn the ring into a pressure cooker. He’s the future; Lara’s the past. But futures get dented when they meet craft.

Official Pick: Alimkhanuly by Decision

Look, I’d love a knockout derby! Lara clipping Janibek on a counter for the upset, or Alimkhanuly folding the vet like origami. But this smells like a 12-round clinic where judges’ scorecards do the heavy lifting. 

Lara’s too slick to get caught clean early, and his experience will bank those early rounds with jabs and feints. But Alimkhanuly’s youth, power, and pace wear down the old bull. By round 7, Lara’s legs betray him, and Janibek’s volume (think 60+ punches per round) piles up points while chipping away at the body. No dramatic finish – just a unanimous decision nod to the Kazakh, something like 116-112 across the board. It’s the smart play in my opinion. Lara exits with head high; Alimkhanuly is one step closer to the undisputed chat. Boxing wins, as always. 

Where To Watch

Platform: Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) Pay-Per-View on Prime Video.

Start Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT (prelims at 6:00 PM ET on Prime Video and YouTube).

Price: $79.99

Lara vs. Alimkhanuly isn’t the flashiest card, but it’s the deepest cut. Tune in, take notes, and remember: In the ring, dreams defer, but styles make fights. And this one’s a doozy. What’s your call? Hit me in the comments – I’ll be the one yelling at my screen.

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions