The Final Plan for Terence Crawford
By Eddie Sanchez
With a Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Erislandy Lara unification potentially on the horizon, the middleweight division may finally be headed toward clarity. The winner would leave the ring holding three of the four major titles (WBA, WBO, IBF), with only the WBC strap left unclaimed.
That final piece could come into play if Carlos Adames, the current WBC champion, faces a marketable opponent such as former titleholder Jermell Charlo. Charlo’s long layoff has left him unranked by the sanctioning body, meaning a special exemption would be required. Still, the matchup carries strong narrative appeal, and the WBC has a history of extending favorable treatment to ex-champions.
In an ideal scenario, Janibek consolidates three belts while Charlo claims the WBC title. That would set the stage for Terence Crawford to chase history. First, a showdown with Janibek for the unified crown would offer both a legacy-defining fight and a major payday. Though a difficult matchup, oddsmakers would likely install Crawford as the favorite. Should he prevail, the story could culminate with a homecoming clash against Charlo in Omaha for the undisputed championship.
For Crawford, it would mean a fourth undisputed reign and a sixth division conquered, a career finale befitting one of boxing’s all-time greats.
About The Author
