Undefeated world champion responds to Terence Crawford’s call out: “I’ll be ready”
Shaun Brown
6th November, 2025
Undefeated world champion responds to Terence Crawford’s call out: “I’ll be ready”
Image credit: Getty
Terence Crawford recently made his next target known, and now the man in question has responded to the pound-for-pound great.
Crawford is still riding high after defeating Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super-middleweight champion in September, with rumours growing ever since about who ‘Bud’ may want to take on next.
He appeared to end that speculation last week when he stated that he currently has his eyes on undefeated middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, meaning the December 6 middleweight unification between Janibek and Erislandy Lara could have more than belts on the line.
In just over four weeks the 160lb division will have two champions – Janibek or Lara with three of them with the fourth (WBC) in the possession of Carlos Adames.
At the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Janibek puts his WBO and IBF titles on the lines against the WBA held by Lara. The much needed divisional match-up will have many a keen observer but perhaps none bigger than Crawford.
It means the stakes may have been raised for next month’s three-belt unification but how does Janibek feel about a potential mega-fight against Crawford? Speaking at a virtual press conference ahead of his next fight he revealed his stance.
“Yes, of course, it would be a very, very good fight and I will be ready for it because it’s a big fight and I think everybody would be looking into it.”
The Kazakhstan fighter has looked a class above his opposition to date but will be in deeper waters than normal against Lara who has shared the ring with world-class opponents in his career to date.
While the Crawford carrot appears to be dangling Janibek admits his motivations, for now, lie elsewhere.
“The motivation is for me to get all four titles and that’s what I’m trying to do. Of course, if a possibility would be to fight with a fighter like Crawford that would be a huge opportunity and it would give me a lot of motivation.”
Beyond the CT5: Unpacking GM’s Strategic Play for a New RWD Performance Era in 2025
For over a decade immersed in the ever-evolving automotive landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the cyclical nature of trends, the shifting sands of consumer preference, and the unwavering dedication some manufacturers maintain for core segments. In 2025, as the industry charges full-steam ahead into an electrified future, General Motors is reportedly making a fascinating, almost counter-intuitive, strategic move: a deep investment in a next-generation rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform for a new vehicle that isn’t solely a replacement for the Cadillac CT5. This isn’t just about maintaining production at a crucial facility; it’s a calculated gamble on the enduring appeal of traditional driving dynamics, a nod to brand heritage, and a clever bridge strategy in a transitional market.
The whispers from within GM’s Detroit headquarters and trusted industry sources like GM Authority suggest the upcoming Alpha 2-2 platform, destined to underpin the next-generation CT5, is far more versatile than initially thought. It’s poised to spawn “at least one additional passenger car planned for the U.S. market,” offering a tantalizing glimpse into GM’s commitment to the performance and luxury rear-drive segments. This move, in an era dominated by electric vehicle announcements, signifies a sophisticated understanding of market segmentation and the persistent demand for a specific kind of driving experience.
The Foundation: Alpha 2-2 Platform – An Engineering Deep Dive for 2025
To truly appreciate the significance of this news, we must first understand the foundation: the Alpha 2-2 platform. The original Alpha architecture, introduced with the Cadillac ATS in 2012, quickly became a benchmark for driver engagement, chassis rigidity, and balanced dynamics. It was lauded for its lightweight construction, precise steering, and impressive handling, qualities that translated seamlessly into the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro and the current CT4 and CT5 sedans. The Alpha 2 iteration refined these attributes, offering even greater structural integrity and adaptability.
The Alpha 2-2, as we approach 2025, represents a further evolution, not a revolutionary reinvention. Think of it as GM’s “Swiss Army knife” for internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid-electric performance. In an industry increasingly focused on skateboard EV platforms, dedicating resources to enhance an ICE-centric architecture is a bold statement. This isn’t just a refresh; it’s a recalibration. Expect improvements in material science, potentially incorporating more advanced high-strength steels and aluminum alloys to further reduce weight and enhance torsional rigidity. The modularity of the Alpha 2-2 is key, allowing for varying wheelbases, track widths, and body styles with relative ease, a crucial factor in justifying the automotive platform development cost for multiple vehicles.
From an engineering perspective, this platform must be designed to accommodate current and future powertrain requirements, including sophisticated hybrid systems that integrate electric motors with powerful gasoline engines. This foresight allows GM to offer high-performance vehicles that can meet stringent emission standards while still delivering the raw power and visceral experience traditional enthusiasts crave. The ability to distribute weight optimally, combined with an advanced multi-link suspension setup, means any vehicle built on Alpha 2-2 will inherit a highly dynamic character, critical for any luxury performance sedan 2025 or future performance coupe. This advanced chassis technology positions GM to compete fiercely in the shrinking but incredibly lucrative RWD sports car market.
Strategic Imperatives: Why GM is Doubling Down on RWD in an EV Future
In 2025, when nearly every press release from major automakers highlights electric vehicle milestones, why would GM commit significant capital to a new RWD platform for non-EVs? The reasons are multifaceted and deeply strategic.
Manufacturing Efficiency and Facility Utilization: The Lansing Grand River Assembly plant is currently the sole producer of the CT4 and CT5. Without additional RWD vehicles, the plant faces potential underutilization, leading to economic inefficiencies and job losses. By adding “at least one additional passenger car,” GM ensures the plant operates at viable capacity, protecting investments and workforce. This shrewd automotive manufacturing investment isn’t just about cars; it’s about communities and existing infrastructure.
Brand Differentiation and Market Segmentation: While GM is heavily invested in its Ultium EV platform, they recognize that a significant segment of the market still desires traditional luxury and performance. Cadillac, in particular, thrives on offering distinct driving experiences that can rival European competitors. A new RWD product allows Cadillac to further cement its position in the premium automotive engineering space, appealing to buyers who aren’t ready to fully embrace EVs or desire a complementary high-performance ICE/hybrid option. For Chevrolet, it’s about preserving its performance vehicle technology heritage and catering to a loyal fan base. This strategy allows for clear brand differentiation automotive even as the overall portfolio electrifies.
The “Bridge” Strategy – Meeting Transitional Demand: The full EV transition will take time. In 2025, there’s a strong, albeit niche, demand for high-performance ICE and hybrid vehicles. By investing in Alpha 2-2, GM is building a bridge, offering compelling options for enthusiasts and luxury buyers during this transitional period. This isn’t a rejection of EVs; it’s an acknowledgment of current market realities and diverse consumer preferences. It allows GM to capture sales and maintain market share in segments where the ICE vs EV performance debate still holds sway for many.
Leveraging Existing Expertise and IP: GM has decades of experience perfecting RWD architectures. By evolving the Alpha platform, they leverage existing intellectual property, engineering talent, and supplier relationships. This is a more cost-effective and quicker route to market for performance vehicles compared to developing an entirely new dedicated EV performance platform from scratch for these specific segments, which are likely smaller than their mass-market EV endeavors.
Enthusiast Loyalty and Brand Halo: Performance vehicles, regardless of their sales volume, often serve as brand halo cars. They generate excitement, attract enthusiasts, and contribute significantly to a brand’s image. A new, exciting RWD next-generation sports car or high-performance vehicle architecture project could inject vital energy into both Cadillac and Chevrolet, fostering enthusiast car market loyalty and proving GM’s commitment to driving pleasure.
The Contenders: Who Gets the Alpha 2-2 Treatment?
Now for the exciting part: speculation about what this additional vehicle could be. Given the RWD/AWD nature of the platform and GM’s brand portfolio, the most plausible candidates are either another Cadillac or a Chevrolet. Buick, with its current focus on premium crossovers and an upcoming EV renaissance, seems unlikely to receive a dedicated RWD performance sedan or coupe.
Cadillac’s New Front: A Grand Tourer or Luxury Performance Flagship?
If Cadillac is the recipient, the possibilities are intriguing. While the CT5 will continue, there’s a clear opening for a vehicle positioned above it, perhaps a true grand tourer or a more opulent luxury performance sedan 2025 or coupe. Imagine a two-door Cadillac that recaptures the elegance and power of past Eldorado or XLR models, but with modern Alpha 2-2 dynamics. Such a vehicle could go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL, or even some Porsche models, offering American luxury with world-class handling.
This could manifest as a “CT6” successor in spirit, if not in name, moving away from the large executive sedan format to a more driver-focused, sophisticated touring machine. It would provide Cadillac with a unique selling proposition, complementing its growing EV lineup and offering a compelling alternative for buyers seeking a distinctive blend of performance and luxury without going fully electric. The design language would likely borrow from Cadillac’s stunning concept cars, showcasing dramatic proportions and cutting-edge interiors. This would be a strong statement in competitive luxury market.
Chevrolet’s Performance Renaissance: The Next-Gen Camaro or Something Entirely New?
The most exciting and heavily rumored possibility, particularly for the enthusiast community, revolves around the Chevrolet Camaro. The current sixth-generation Camaro, while dynamically brilliant, has struggled in sales. Retiring after the 2026 model year, its future has been uncertain, with many speculating it would either become an EV sedan or disappear entirely. However, the Alpha 2-2 platform presents a lifeline.
Could this be the chassis for a seventh-generation Camaro? If so, what form would it take?
Pure ICE Performance: A direct successor to the current car, perhaps refined with hybrid assistance to boost power and efficiency. This would appease purists and allow the Camaro to compete directly with the Ford Mustang, especially if the Mustang maintains an ICE option.
Hybrid Powerhouse: A truly modern muscle car, blending a potent V8 or turbocharged V6 with electric motors for instantaneous torque and impressive acceleration. This could be a game-changer in the future muscle car segment, offering performance exceeding its predecessor while addressing environmental concerns.
A New Performance Nameplate: What if it’s not strictly a Camaro, but a spiritual successor? A more compact, agile, and technologically advanced performance coupe that sits below the Corvette, targeting rivals like the Toyota Supra or even performance variants of European compacts. This would give Chevrolet a fresh start without the baggage of past Camaro sales figures, allowing for a new design direction and target audience.
The decision for a Chevrolet Camaro future on Alpha 2-2 would demonstrate GM’s commitment to its performance heritage and its loyal V8 fanbase. It would also allow Chevy to offer a compelling ICE/hybrid alternative to its upcoming performance EVs, maintaining a diverse portfolio that caters to all tastes. This is about ensuring Chevrolet remains a dominant player in the niche performance market.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape (2025)
In 2025, the automotive market is a complex mosaic. While electrification dominates headlines, a significant undercurrent of demand for traditional high-performance, RWD vehicles persists. Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz continue to invest in their ICE/hybrid performance models, proving that there’s still a lucrative market for these machines. GM’s strategy aligns with this reality.
The key competitors for any new Alpha 2-2 product would vary by segment. For a Cadillac luxury performance vehicle, it would be the Audi A7/S7, BMW 8 Series, and Mercedes-AMG CLE or GT. For a Chevrolet performance car, the perennial rival is the Ford Mustang, but also the Toyota Supra, Nissan Z, and potentially even some performance variants from Hyundai. The challenge for GM will be to position these vehicles with compelling value, cutting-edge technology, and distinctive styling that stands out in a crowded market.
The Alpha 2-2 platform, by offering a blend of performance, luxury, and potentially hybrid efficiency, provides GM with a strong hand to play. It’s an opportunity to create vehicles that resonate with enthusiasts, appeal to discerning luxury buyers, and provide a compelling alternative in a rapidly changing industry. This is a crucial aspect of strategic automotive planning for the mid-2020s.
The Vision: Why This Path Makes Sense for GM
General Motors, under Mary Barra’s leadership, has shown a willingness to be pragmatic and strategic. This reported investment in Alpha 2-2 for more than just the CT5 replacement isn’t a pivot away from EVs; it’s an intelligent diversification. It’s about maximizing existing assets, leveraging decades of RWD engineering expertise, and catering to profitable, albeit smaller, market segments that demand something beyond pure electric propulsion for now.
It’s about maintaining brand relevance, igniting passion among enthusiasts, and ensuring that iconic nameplates (or their spiritual successors) have a place in GM’s future. It’s also a significant vote of confidence in the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant and the highly skilled workforce there. This commitment to a premium automotive engineering project underscores GM’s holistic approach to market dominance, recognizing that even as the world goes electric, there will always be a place for a beautifully engineered, dynamically engaging rear-wheel-drive machine.
The coming months and years will undoubtedly bring more clarity. But if the rumors hold true, GM is preparing to deliver a thrilling and strategically sound surprise to the automotive world, proving that even in 2025, the roar of an engine and the precision of a RWD chassis still hold immense appeal.
Share Your Vision: What Alpha 2-2 Creation Do You Hope to See?
As someone who lives and breathes cars, the prospect of a new, engaging RWD performance machine from GM is genuinely exciting. What do you, the informed enthusiast, seasoned driver, or industry observer, hope to see emerge from this strategic platform? Are you yearning for a reimagined, powerful Chevrolet Camaro, a sophisticated Cadillac grand tourer, or perhaps something entirely new that pushes the boundaries of American performance? Your insights drive the future of our automotive discourse. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below – let’s fuel this discussion together!
