Janibek Alimkhanuly is already discussing a Canelo Alvarez unification, although Hamzah Sheeraz still owns the WBO super middleweight title and Christian Mbilli holds the WBC belt.
Janibek believes Sheeraz may vacate rather than defend against him following Queensberry Promotions’ winning $1 million purse bid. His share would be approximately $250,000 under the WBO’s 75/25 division.
“Everyone knows I’m not interested in the money. I’m ready! I’m also ready to see the news that he’s vacating the title. I just need that title. Then I have to unify with Canelo. That’s it!” Janibek said on X.
The money claim is difficult to accept when Janibek immediately identifies Canelo as his intended opponent. A Canelo fight would provide him with easily the largest purse of his career. Janibek may not care about receiving $250,000 against Sheeraz because he views the WBO belt as his ticket to Canelo money.
His plan also skips several important steps. Sheeraz vacating would not automatically make Janibek the WBO champion. Unless the sanctioning body elevates him, Janibek would likely be ordered to fight the highest-ranked available contender for the vacant title.
Diego Pacheco is ranked No. 2, followed by Jacob Bank, Kevin Lele Sadjo, and Jose Armando Resendiz. One of them may be placed between Janibek and the championship. Pacheco would receive the first opportunity if he were available and willing to accept.
None represents a ceremonial vacant title fight. Janibek might beat all four, but discussing Canelo before winning the WBO belt makes his plan sound far easier than it is.
Janibek is also treating Canelo’s October 31 fight with Mbilli as a victory for the challenger. Canelo looked old and exhausted after six rounds against Terence Crawford nearly a year ago. He has continued aging since then.
Even if his decline somehow stopped, Mbilli would still be facing the same past-his-best version of Canelo who faded badly against Crawford. Janibek is planning a unification with a man who may never leave Riyadh with the WBC title.
If Mbilli beats Canelo, Janibek’s reaction will tell us more than his claim about money. A fighter devoted to unification would call for Mbilli. Continuing to pursue Canelo without a title would expose the actual attraction.
Janibek is criticizing Sheeraz for possibly making a business decision while constructing his own route toward the most lucrative opponent in the division. The money apparently does not matter until Canelo’s name enters the conversation.