WBO / IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (pictured) and his WBA counterpart Erislandy Lara will have a unfication battle on the pay-per-view undercard of the Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach PBC pay-per-view event on December 6th, previewed their matchup during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. Tickets for the live event at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio are on sale now through Ticketmaste. Here is what the two 160-pound champions had to say on Tuesday:

JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY

“In the past I’ve fought a lot of southpaws. As an amateur I was watching Lara fight in the pros. I know his style, I know what he can do, and I know what he cannot do. I don’t think this is going to be a difficult fight for me.

“Everything is going very well and we’re just waiting for fight night. Preparation is going very well and we can’t wait for December 6th.

“I’m thankful to Lara for taking this fight. It’s a big honor to fight a boxer like him who’s been a two-division champion. He’s very well-known and he’s a very good fighter. It’s an honor to share the ring with him.

“Everyone knows that I want to be undisputed. Lara is holding one of the belts, so I’m just waiting for December 6 to give everyone a good show.

“I’ve studied Lara and I know his style. He’s not the first fighter I’ve faced with talent and good skills in the ring.

“When I was an amateur I fought Cuban boxers, and more recently I’ve sparred Cuban boxers. I’ve even gone to Cuba to fight before. “

ERISLANDY LARA

 “Janibek can think whatever he wants. We’ll see if he’s ready on December 6 and if it’s as easy as he thinks it’s gonna be. He’s gonna be in for a big surprise.

 “Getting a win would mean so much for my career. Janibek is a tough opponent who represents a country with great fighting history. I haven’t faced a fighter from Kazakhstan since the amateurs, but I can’t wait.

 “Boxing is everything to me and I’m still very motivated to keep climbing the ladder and reach the top. I do this for my family and for my legacy. I want to show that I’m still on top of my game. 

“I’m only focused on December 6th. Janibek is a tough opponent, so I’m not going to think about any other opponents. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got on December 6th and then I’ll see where we’re at. I’ll see you on December 6th Janibek. I’ll be ready for whatever you bring, so you better be ready too.

 “I knew that I just had to wait patiently for this fight to happen. No matter what happened, I was gonna be ready for whatever came next. Whether it was me or (WBC Middleweight Champion) Carlos Adames fighting Janibek, either one of us was gonna be ready to represent Latin America.”