Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez and David Benavidez are on the hit list of an undefeated world champion fresh off his fifth knockout victory in a row.
Many fans consider a fight between Canelo and Benavidez to be one of the most intriguing the sport can offer, however it continues to escape fans due to the former’s lack of interest and despite the latter’s best attempts.
Canelo currently reigns supreme at 168 pounds whilst Benavidez has recently been elevated to full WBC Champion at 175. The man who wants a fight with both is the unified titleholder at 160, Janibek Alimkhanuly.
The Khazak sensation is 17-0 with 12 knockouts, most recently stopping Anauel Ngamissengue inside five rounds to retain his IBF and WBO belts. Post-fight, he was quick to call out Canelo.
“Canelo! Where are you? I am the king of middleweight! You think you are a king too! Let’s show the world a fight between two kings!”
Janibek has since confirmed to Boxing Scene that he is targeting undisputed at middleweight, but would take a fight with Canelo or Benavidez in a heartbeat should the right offer be put in front of him.
“When I just turned pro, I told my team I could fight at any weight. So, if the opportunity comes to fight Canelo at super middleweight, or even David Benavidez – whether at a catchweight or at light heavyweight – I am prepared to take those steps in the future.
“My goal is to fully unify the middleweight division. I am going to stay here until I get all the titles. Of course, I will move up for the right offer but I want to become undisputed champion and don’t want to give the other fighters any excuses to avoid me.”
Though his ambitious plans are to be commended, Janibek is not high on the list of either man at the time of writing. Canelo fights new champion William Scull on May 3 for a chance to become two-time undisputed and, with all going well for him, moves straight into a mega fight against Terence Crawford in September.
As for Benavidez, he has promised to continue to bring fans the best fights as he enters his third stint as a world champion, with match-ups against the likes of Callum Smith potentially next for his first defence.
