Unification marks Phase One of Crawford’s WBN-predicted four-weight goal
World Boxing News can reveal that plans are being finalized for a huge three-belt middleweight unification between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Carlos Adames — a fight that could directly pave the way for Terence Crawford to make history in 2026.
Phase One | Janibek vs Adames Unification
Janibek, the reigning IBF and WBO champion, is in advanced talks to put his titles on the line against WBC belt holder Carlos Adames. The bout, expected to be announced within weeks, would crown a three-belt ruler at 160 pounds.
The unification fight is seen as a necessary step to draw Crawford into a historic middleweight clash, as World Boxing News previously predicted.
Janibek told fans on social media, “Dear boxing fans, very soon you’ll hear the news you’ve all been waiting for, and it’s going to be the long-anticipated showdown in the middleweight division!”
Adames confirmed to reporter Fernando Sabatini, “We’ve been chasing it a lot and couldn’t quite seal the deal, but the fight is going to happen. We’re working to make it the next one. It’s almost a done deal.”
Crawford’s Pathway to History
Fresh off his masterclass victory over Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight, Crawford has already hinted that middleweight could be his next conquest.
“I’m going to sit down with my team, and we are going to discuss what’s next in the future for Terence Crawford, and who knows, I might go down to 160,” Crawford teased.
That comment sent shockwaves through the sport. With Janibek and Adames working to consolidate the WBO, IBF, and WBC belts, Crawford could potentially move straight into a fight for the unified three-belt crown — skipping the usual slog of tune-ups.
If he succeeds, Crawford would become the first man in history to win undisputed titles in four separate weight divisions:
140 pounds (2017)
147 pounds (2023)
168 pounds (2025)
160 pounds (2026 ?)
A Historic Horizon
Should Janibek and Adames crown a three-belt champion, and should the WBA strap also fall into line, Crawford could step straight into the chance of a lifetime — undisputed in a fourth weight class.
At 37, Crawford will only want the biggest fights left on the table. The Omaha great may only get one shot at the opportunity, but if it lands in 2026, Crawford could rewrite boxing history forever.
The plans also mean ‘Bud’ is likely to give up all four of his championships won from Canelo Alvarez in the next few weeks.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
