Terence Crawford, fresh off a dominant victory against Canelo Alvarez in September 2023, faces new challenges as he contemplates his next move. The 38-year-old superstar is now weighing options to either stay at super middleweight (168 pounds) or drop down to middleweight (160 pounds). However, recent developments may influence his decision significantly.
Janibek Alimkhanuly, a highly regarded contender and potential opponent for Crawford, encountered turmoil after failing a performance-enhancing drug test. This unfortunate turn of events disrupts the boxing scene's existing dynamics and puts his fight with Erislandy Lara in doubt. Alimkhanuly had been building a reputation as an exceptionally dangerous fighter. According to renowned boxing commentator Timothy Bradley, "Alimkhanuly could give Crawford a lot of trouble."
The situation leaves Crawford pondering his future in the sport. Moving down to 160 pounds seemed like an appealing option until Alimkhanuly's failed test surfaced. As Mike Coppinger from [Ring Magazine](https://www.ringtv.com/) reports, this development directly impacts potential matchups.
There are concerns regarding how thoroughly this issue has been addressed. Alimkhanuly himself expressed uncertainty saying, "I don't know what happened with the second test." This adds another layer of complexity to the story as all parties seek clarity and resolution.
For Crawford, these factors must be considered before any announcement regarding his next fight takes place. The ring awaits his decision with bated breath while fans eagerly anticipate his forthcoming challenges amidst shifting possibilities within world boxing.
