Thabiso Mchunu is in Mexico City preparing for his second shot at a cruiserweight world title.
Five years on from his world title loss to Oleksandr Usyk, the 33-year-old South African will face Ilunga Makabu on January 29th in Ohio for the WBC crown.
Makabu is no stranger to Mchunu, the two faced each other in 2015 in a contest which saw Makabu triumph with a knockout in round 11.
Six years on from that result, Mchunu says he is a different type of fighter and will prove his worth against Makabu, who is rubbing his hands with the possibility of facing Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
"I can't think about Canelo now, I'm focused on fighting and beating Ilunga Makabu that's where my focus is. That and winning the world title... if Canelo wants to fight later I'll be ready, but until then I'll think about what's next. Not before," said Mchunu.
Last November, Canelo and his team shocked the world by revealing his intention to move up to the cruiserweight division and challenge Makabu. However, the Congolese fighter had already agreed to a showdown with Mchunu, making him someone who could upset the Congolese fighter's plans.
Mchuno and his coach Sean Smith are in Mexico City where they travelled to complete their visa paperwork and complete their training camp. Both said it was fortunate to have arrived in Mexico at such an important time in their fighter's career.
"We didn't choose Mexico, Mexico chose us. It was a good decision to come here. We already have our visa approved and we are very close," said coach Smith.
It remains to be seen what Canelo's next fight will be, with several intriguing options available at super-middleweight where he is the undisputed champion as well as cruiserweight and light-heavyweight.