Canelo Alvarez Pushes for Legacy Against WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu
Phones all around the boxing community have been buzzing like crazy. This because social media is in an unbelievable frenzy with news of undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-1-2, 38ko), taking on WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (28-2, 25ko).
The WBC revealed this news via a social media post that has gone viral.
If the goal for Alvarez is to become the greatest Mexican fighter of all-time, then winning a title in a fifth division definitely stacks the deck on his legacy pertaining to this debate. Canelo became the first-ever super middleweight undisputed champion after stopping IBF Caleb “Sweet hand” Plant in the eleventh round on November 6.
Immediately following this significant victory, boxing fans were quick to bestow the crown of the greatest Mexican fighter of all time upon his shoulders. It became a very heated debate among boxing fans and enthusiasts throughout the boxing community. It seems as if the undisputed champion could put the subject to rest by winning the cruiserweight title.
CANELO HAS THE POWER
The power that Alvarez possesses is unparalleled unlike anyone we have seen. His influence can stretch across almost every division in boxing. There is a phrase often used in the sport: “There are weight classes for a reason.”
Meaning that people tend to get hurt if they move up too much or too fast. With Canelo, the rule does not seem to apply. The main reason is his popularity. Anytime he enters the ring, a fighter is at a huge disadvantage as they are up against the entire business of boxing.
Makabu won the vacant WBC crown by defeating Michal Cieslak in January 2020. He has made one successful title defense against Olanrewaju Durodola in December 2020. The 34 year-old Democratic Republic of The Congo native has not fought since the Durodola fight.
Furthermore, it wasn’t too long ago the champ was stopped in just three rounds to now retired former champion Tony Bellew in 2016. While he has picked up some decent wins since the knockout loss against Cieslak and WBC #2 ranked contender Aleksi Papin, Makabu really hasn’t improved much and he’s getting older.
To further show the power of Alvarez, on March 27, 2021, Thabiso Mchunu won a WBC title eliminator and mandatory status after easily defeating top prospect Evgeny Tishchenko. He was hoping to get a rematch to settle a score from their first encounter back in 2015.
Well, it is safe to say that will not happen as the WBC has ignored their own rules and given the undisputed champion their blessing to pursue the fight.
This fight will undoubtedly be targeted for the traditional Cinco de Mayo weekend.
By: Garrisson Bland
