Alimkhanuly calls out Canelo ahead of super-middleweight move

Janibek Alimkhanuly has challenged Canelo Alvarez as he moves up to super-middleweight, urging the Mexican star to prepare for a possible unification fight. The 33-year-old must first defeat WBO champion Hamzah Sheeraz, while Alvarez is scheduled to face WBC title-holder Christian Mbilli on October 31.

Alimkhanuly is expected to meet Sheeraz as the mandatory challenger. He has made clear that his target extends beyond the WBO belt, declaring his intention to beat Sheeraz before pursuing Alvarez and the division’s remaining championship.

The potential meeting depends on Alvarez overcoming Mbilli. Alvarez has not boxed since Terence Crawford unanimously defeated him last September and took his undisputed super-middleweight crown. The loss ended Alvarez’s run as the division’s undisputed champion.

Mbilli became the full WBC champion after Crawford’s retirement in December. He had previously held interim status following a 10-round draw with Lester Martinez. Mbilli’s freshness and intensity have made him a difficult opponent for Alvarez, with many favouring the champion’s advantages before their October contest.

A victory would give Alvarez the opportunity to recover one of his former belts and could lead to an immediate unification bout. Sheeraz would be the most straightforward option among the champions, although his scheduled defence against Alimkhanuly could alter those plans. Alvarez has already defeated Jaime Munguia and is unlikely to pursue a meeting with Osleys Iglesias, who is viewed as a dangerous 168-pound opponent.

Alimkhanuly has not fought since stopping Anauel Ngamissengue in the fifth round in April 2025. He also tested positive for meldonium in December, a result that has drawn criticism of the WBO’s decision to keep him on a route toward becoming a two-division champion. His challenge to Alvarez therefore comes while his own path to a title fight remains tied to the Sheeraz contest.