A big matchup that was set to take place this weekend has reportedly been canceled following new updates.
It seems likely that Terence Crawford will face Canelo Alvarez in a rematch for the undisputed super middleweight titles in 2026.
While a second bout with the Mexican star is undoubtedly the biggest payday out there for ‘Bud’, there are other options that could be more legacy-defining for him.
An undefeated champion called Crawford out in October while enticing him with the chance to try and become the first ever undisputed champion in four divisions during the four-belt era.
Unfortunately, that fighter’s plan to gather the middleweight belts before facing the American has hit a significant hurdle ahead of his return to the ring.
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Should Terence Crawford face Canelo Alvarez again in 2026?
If not, who should be next for 'Bud'? Let us know in the comments.
Janibek Alimkhanuly’s unification fight canceled following adverse finding
Janibek Alimkhanuly has put together a perfect record of 17-0 while securing the unified WBO and IBF middleweight titles.
Terence Crawford said that he had his eyes on Alimkhanuly following the 32-year-old’s callout of ‘Bud’ several months ago.
Crawford moved up two weight classes in order to face Canelo Alvarez in September, meaning that the middleweight division remains unconquered territory for the undisputed super middleweight champion.
Does Terence Crawford’s win over Canelo Alvarez make him the fighter of the year in 2025?
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With Alimkhanuly hoping to secure more belts before defending them against the American next year, he was set to challenge Erislandy Lara for the WBA title on December 6.
It was reported on December 2 that Alimkhanuly has delivered an adverse finding for Meldonium, a performance-enhancing drug, following a VADA test.
While initial reports claimed that the fight was now in serious jeopardy, it has been followed up by the likes of Dan Rafael that the fight will not take place.
It has since been reported by Rafael that Johan Gonzalez will step in and face Lara for the WBA title at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
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Janibek Alimkhanuly responds to the news of his drug test
Shortly after the news broke regarding his test results, Janibek Alimkhanuly shared his response via social media.
He unsurprisingly questioned the finding, stating that he was “surprised” by the outcome of the voluntary tests.
“I have always supported clean sport you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest.”
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