Boxing Match Preview: Erislandy Lara (31-3-3, 191 KO) vs. Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0-0, 12 KOs)
The middleweight division stands on the precipice of history as WBA champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) collides with unified IBF and WBO titlist Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) in a high-stakes unification bout on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Lara, the 42-year-old Cuban-American veteran, chases a legacy-defining moment in his late-career renaissance, having reclaimed the WBA strap in 2023 and defended it twice with ruthless efficiency. His technical mastery and counterpunching have silenced doubters, but age and a 15-month ring rust since stopping Danny Garcia raise questions about his resilience against youth. Alimkhanuly, the 32-year-old Kazakh southpaw and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, enters as the division’s boogeyman, undefeated with four straight stoppages en route to unifying the IBF and WBO in 2023. His pressure-heavy style and 71% KO rate make him a nightmare for technicians like Lara, but untested in megafights, he risks overextending against the craftiest operator at 160 pounds. This 12-round clash for three belts—potentially setting up an undisputed showdown with WBC kingpin Carlos Adames—promises a tactical war of jabs, feints, and power shots, headlining the PBC PPV undercard to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.
Venue Location
The unification unfolds at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, at 1 AT&T Way. Opened in 2002 as the AT&T Center (renamed in 2023), this 18,418-seat multi-purpose arena—home to the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs—has hosted 12 major boxing events, including Errol Spence Jr.’s 2019 demolition of Mikey Garcia and Jaime Munguia’s 2023 title win. Situated in the city’s east side near the Alamodome, it’s accessible via VIA Metropolitan Transit buses (Route 4 from downtown) or rideshares (Uber/Lyft zones at main gates)—parking in the attached garage costs $15-25/event night. Recent upgrades feature LED ring lighting, expanded VIP lounges, and Spurs-themed concessions like brisket tacos ($12) and local craft beers. Expect a pro-Lara/Latin crowd of 14,000+ amid Texas boxing fever; tickets via Ticketmaster start at $85 for upper bowl, with PPV $79.99 on Prime Video.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. CT) for main card start; Lara-Alimkhanuly ring walks ~11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT)
Broadcast: PBC PPV on Prime Video ($79.99, streams on Fire TV, Roku, etc.); prelims free on Prime Video at 6:00 p.m. ET. International: DAZN (select markets); radio on SiriusXM Fight Nation (Ch. 93).
Injury Report
Both champions arrive in peak condition after clean weigh-ins at 160 lbs, with no active injuries per Thursday medicals. Lara’s last bout (TKO9 Danny Garcia, Sep. 2024) left minor hand swelling (resolved by October); his 15-month layoff stems from scheduling, not health. Alimkhanuly’s April TKO5 Anauel Ngamissengue caused no downtime, though a brief shoulder tweak in camp cleared swiftly. Standard rehydration expected, but full steam ahead.
| Fighter | Status | Recent Injury History |
| Erislandy Lara | Cleared | Minor hand swelling (post-Garcia, Sep. 2024; resolved Oct. 2024) |
| Janibek Alimkhanuly | Cleared | Shoulder tweak (camp, Oct. 2025; resolved Nov. 2025) |
Fighter Matchups
Lara’s southpaw elusiveness (74″ reach) clashes with Alimkhanuly’s pressure (71.5″ reach), favoring mid-range chess. Lara’s 52% accuracy counters Alimkhanuly’s 55%, but the Kazakh’s volume (4.2 landed/min) tests the veteran’s 58% defense—key: angles vs. forward march.
Striking: Counter Craft vs. Pressure Volume
Lara’s left uppercuts/hooks (absorbs 2.9/min) exploit Alimkhanuly’s 48% defense, outlanding Zerafa 85-45. Alimkhanuly’s straight lefts (70% KO power) overwhelmed Ngamissengue (25 strikes Rd. 5). Edge: Lara—if ranged; Alimkhanuly closes for wars.
Movement & Defense: Elusive Angles vs. Ring Cutting
Lara’s pivots (59% slip rate) vs. Alimkhanuly’s feints (1.2 clinch/round). Lara evaded 65% vs. Garcia; Alimkhanuly trapped Gualtieri 70% corner time. Edge: Lara—his IQ frustrates pressure.
Cardio & Durability: Veteran Pace vs. Late Power
Lara’s decisions (70% wins, avg. 9:45 time) vs. Alimkhanuly’s finishes (avg. 6:12). Lara absorbed 140 vs. Garcia; Alimkhanuly took 80 vs. Bentley. Edge: Lara—experience in 12-rounders edges untested fades.
Recent Form
Lara is 3-0 since 2023 Canelo rematch loss: TKO9 Danny Garcia (Sep. 2024, WBA defense, body shots), TKO2 Michael Zerafa (Mar. 2024, WBA defense), UD12 over lesser foes. He’s 6-0 at middleweight, all decisions or mid-round TKOs.
Alimkhanuly is 4-0 in 2025 (all TKOs): TKO5 Anauel Ngamissengue (Apr., title defense), TKO9 Hamzah Sheeraz (Oct. 2024), extending 17-0 streak with 12 straight wins (10 KOs).
| Last 5 Fights | Record | Key Win | Key Loss |
| Lara | 3-0-0 | vs. Garcia (TKO9, Sep. 2024) | N/A |
| Alimkhanuly | 4-0-0 | vs. Ngamissengue (TKO5, Apr. 2025) | N/A |
Series History
First meeting—no priors. Lara’s middleweight: 6-0 (4 KOs); Alimkhanuly’s title fights: 6-0 (4 KOs). Common style foes: Lara edged technicians like Zerafa; Alimkhanuly stopped pressure like Bentley. Unifications: 8/10 to younger fighter.
| Date | Result | Score | Key Performer | |
| N/A | First meeting | N/A | N/A |
Betting Trends
Total: O/U 10.5 rounds. Alimkhanuly 9-1 ATS last 10; Lara 7-3 Over in defenses.
Trends: Alimkhanuly 8-2 Under; Lara 6-4 as dog.
Trends: Alimkhanuly 10-0 SU streak; Lara 5-1 ATS home state.
FIGHT ODDS
Erislandy Lara + 325
Janibek Alimkhanuly – 450
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
