JAKARTA - Despite his desire to take on Ilunga Makabu in the race for the World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight title, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez will still have to wait to find out his opponent in May.

The Mexican boxer will be the opponent of the winner of the fight between Makabu and Thabiso Mchunu.

According to the organization's president, Mauricio Sulaiman, the Congolese-born champion must first fulfill his obligation to defend his title against Mchunu. After that, can only face Canelo.

"The winner of Makabu vs. Mchunu will be against Canelo. There are many fights already planned and that is one of them. It is important to spread the word about Makabu and Mchunu, who are known to the international boxing community at this level," Sulaiman told WBC Coffee Talks. in Africa and Russia, but we have to see them on the billboards and thus heat up the fight (against Canelo)."

It should be noted that before Canelo's coach, Eddy Reynoso asked permission to seal the fight against Makabu, the WBC had stated that fighting the South African boxer was a mandatory fight for Canelo.

Also, Mchunu didn't relinquish his right to fight for the title, so the fight was set.

"The WBC will always support Canelo, he is our Franchise Champion, allowing him to seek any challenge and not hindering him is a virtue with the appointment," explained Sulaiman.

"He has an open path to finding alternative ways and we will support him unconditionally," he added.

However, on the other hand, there are other obstacles that could hinder the Makabu vs Mchunu fight which is planned for January 29. It was the emergence of the omicron variant to the United States and the travel restrictions that made it difficult for Mchunu to move.


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