For months, word has been in the air about a potential Cruiserweight debut for Canelo Alvarez. The reigning undisputed super middleweight champion of the world has been aiming for a jump up to 200 after winning titles at 154, 160, 168, and 175 and the WBC Cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu has been the target for Canelo. Now, Makabu himself has responded, calling out the Mexican maestro following his hard fought win this Saturday night.
Ilunga Makabu vows to “box and knock oyut” Canelo
It was a tough job for Ilunga Makabu, but the WBC Cruiserweight champion was able to mark his second successful title defense against a very competitive Thabiso Mchunu, marking a win by split decision at the Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio. The controversial decision came after Judge Nathan Palmer had favoured Mchunu 115-113 for his counterpunching performance, but both Steve Weisfeld and Jamie Garayua were in favour of Makabu’s straightforward approach, scoring the champion 115-113 and 116-112 respectively.
It was a rematch to their first encounter which took place in May 2015, when Makabu knocked out Mchunu in the 11th round to mark his 19th professional career victory. Soon after the rematch, “The Junior” recalled the first fight and said his aim was to box the contender.
“I already beat Thabiso the first time and did it again,” said Makabu, “He’s a counterpuncher. I didn’t come for a knockout. I just came to box.”
In addition to that, the 34-year-old Congolese-South African mentioned his potential Canelo clash, claiming that he would make the same box-heavy approach against him and deliver a KO.
“My next fight with Saul CA-NE-LO, I’m going to box and knock you out,” Makabu added. [H/T Boxingscene.com]
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 his trainer Eddy Reynoso. Soon after, it was confirmed that Council had also thumbed up the request.
However, Makabu is not the only option for Canelo up next. The four-belt champion at 168 may remain at the division and face WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo, or return to Light Heavyweight and take on WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol.
Highlights:
- WBC Cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu vowed to box and knock out Canelo Alvarez following his win over Thabiso Mchunu
- Canelo had earlier wished for a move to cruiserweight and face Makabu and the approach was positively received by the WBC
