Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs), the reigning undisputed super-middleweight champion of the world has been dominant across five weight classes in pro boxing but the highest he had gone up was Light Heavyweight. However, the Mexican maestro was recently granted approval by the WBC for his request to move to Cruiserweight- his heaviest division yet. Surprisingly, Canelo revealed that it was his trainer Eddy Reynoso who made the request and until the approval, he was unaware of it.
I’m always in. I’m his warrior: Despite the surprise, Canelo is inclined to what Reynoso wants
Soon after defeating Caleb Plant for the undisputed championship, there were talks that Canelo had wished to move up the divisions and challenge WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu (28-2, 25 KOs), and the appeal was made by Reynoso. Soon after, there was confirmation that Council had thumbed up the request, as well as former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk wanting to trade blows with Canelo.
However, Canelo reveals that he was surprised by his trainer’s motive, just like the majority of the boxing fandom, but says he is willing take the path that Reynoso shows him, even if it means going up to 200 to challenge for a world title, while Canelo so far has won titles at 154, 160, 168, and 175.
“I didn’t even know about that,” Alvarez said in an interview with World Boxing News, “I heard about it on social media what Eddy did.”
“Like I always say,” Alvarez went on, “if Eddy says something or he tries to do something crazy, I’m always in. I’m his warrior.” He called me after [the announcement], and I said, ‘OK, whatever you want. I never thought (about cruiserweight). Eddy always is thinking about things, but I never thought about it.”
Even though Reynoso wants Canelo to face Makabu and the undisputed champion himself is willing to, there is no development towards the fight. While Canelo is currently a free agent, Makabu is promoted by Don King and the WBC champion is currently prepping to take on Thabiso Mchunu (23-5, 13 KOs) on 29th at the Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio, with the council president hinting at the winner of Makabu vs Mchunu to face Canelo.
“It’s not done yet,” said Alvarez regarding the Makabu fight, “We want to see, we want to try to do it, but it’s not done yet. So we will see in January what is coming for us.” [H/T BoxingScene.com]
Highlights:
- Canelo Alvarez says he was surprised by his trainer Eddy Reynoso’s cruiserweight appeal
- Reynoso wants the undisputed super-middleweight champion to face WBC cruiserweight titleholder Ilunga Makabu
- Makabu is prepping to fight Thabiso Mchunu in January
