Former WBO Cruiserweight Champion and Sky Sports Expert Johnny Nelson thinks the Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez potentially making a big mistake going to cruiserweight. Canelo became the undisputed super middleweight champion last month by knocking out Caleb Plant.
Currently, Canelo has held the titles in the junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions and is motivated to win the title in the fifth weight category.
At the recent World Boxing Council convention in Mexico, Canelo manager and head coach Eddie Reinoso asked for permission to challenge the WBC first heavyweight champion Ilunga Makabu, who next month will defend the title in a fight against Tabiso Mchunu.
Canelo's surprise move is seen as a significant and dangerous jump in weight. The heavy weight limit is 90.7 kg. The Mexican did not fight above 79 kg when he climbed to light heavyweight and knocked out Sergei Kovalev, winning the WBO title. After that, he left the belt vacant and dropped to super middleweight.
Several heavyweights have already expressed interest in meeting boxing's biggest cash cow - including former undisputed division champion Alexander Usyk - who has expressed interest in returning to the cruiserwey for a one-off event.
“Perhaps Canelo's biggest rival is himself. He could very well swing for more than he could, going to the first heavyweight," said Nelson. "As a former heavyweight champion, I am offended by how this little man fits into our weight class. Any worthy heavyweight will think, "No, it can't be!"
“That is why guys like Alexander Usyk are ready to return to 200 pounds to prove it. There are several cruisers like the Makabu that can be defeated. But there are other cruisers that Canelo cannot be surpassed in a million years. The biggest threat to Canelo may be himself and his desires,” added Nelson.
