Eddy Reynoso Seeking Negotiations With Thabiso Mchunu to make Canelo v Makabu
Less than a week after making headlines on his intentions to move up to cruiserweight and challenge WBC champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (28-2, 25KOs) in May of 2022, it now appears the newly crowned undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez (57–2, 39KOs), may have to start looking at backup plans.
RELATED: Makabu To Canelo: “You’re Meeting The Best! I’ll Fight You Anywhere!”
This comes after legendary boxing promoter Don King posted a picture of himself and Makabu. It was paired with an announcement of the rematch with Thabiso Mchunu (23-5, 13KOs), likely for January 29. Mchunu is ranked #1 in the WBC and #2 in the IBF.
A LONG JOURNEY TO A REMATCH
Their first fight took place in May of 2015, where Makabu would stop Mchunu in round 11. The fight was ultra competitive and the Mchunu was up on the cards at the time of the stoppage.
He has worked extremely hard the last six years to get a rematch; hitting bumps along the way against Constantin Bejenaru, Thomas Oosthuizen and current unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk. A win over top prospect Evgeny Tishchenko in March solidified his position to rematch Makabu.
RELATED: Thabiso Mchunu Defeats Evgeny Tishchenko; Wants Makabu Rematch
NOT SO FAST!
While nothing is set in stone, one thing is for certain; Alvarez will have major influence on whether Makabu-Mchunu actually happens. Especially with the WBC’s backing. Another thing to consider is a possible step aside fee being paid to Mchunu, who may or may not be interested in doing so. Trainer Eddy Reynoso revealed the possibility of a step aside fee in an interview with Matchroom Boxing.
He said the following about Alvarez’s next move:
“Right now we’re in talks with the manager of the champion. He has actually, in February, a date where he has a mandatory defense. We’re going to see if we can do a negotiation to have a step-aside and fight in May is what we’re planning.
“So we barely started negotiating that, we barely suggested that to the WBC. They granted that so we’re barely starting that and if we can negotiate that, then we’ll move ahead. If not there are also other options as well.”
Eddy Reynoso – Trainer for Canelo Alvarez
It’s clear from Eddy Reynoso’s comments that team Alvarez is determined to get a deal done. It’ll be interesting to see how things play out in the coming months. If Alvarez v Makabu doesn’t come to fruition, it’s safe to say not many boxing fans will be upset. This is considering possible fights with Jermall Charlo, Demetrius Andrade, David Benavidez and Dimitry Bivol, just to name a few.
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as they become available.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
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