Eddy Reynoso believes that Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s experience with heavyweights in training has given him the confidence to step up to cruiserweight.
Alvarez beat Caleb Plant a fortnight ago to become the undisputed champion at 168lbs, but a move up to cruiserweight would give him the freedom to come in anywhere up to 200lbs.
He had previously announced he would make a decision on his next match-up in January, with a date around Cinco de Mayo pencilled in for whatever bout he decided. However he has alighted on a fight with WBC cruiserweight champion, Congolese fighter Ilunga Makabu.
That means the 31-year-old Mexican has the best part of half a year to pack on weight, but while Makabu is not a hugely well known fighter, the step up in divisions represents a serious test of Canelo’s durability and versatility. It was a surprise announcement given a rematch with Gennadiy Golovkin at 160lbs, or a defence of his super middleweight belts, were thought to be the likely next step.
It has been intimated that Canelo will return to 168lbs to preserve his status but it is difficult to see how he can move up two divisions and then return without compromising his physique.
Canelo’s trainer Reynoso has pointed to his sparring experience as a reason for Canelo to be optimistic.
"I know what he (Canelo) has done to the heavyweights he has sparred with, and that is why we have asked for the fight (against Makabu)," Reynoso told ESPN Deportes.
"We know that Makabu is strong, but Canelo can beat him. Many may say that this is crazy. But they also said that it was crazy when Canelo was a junior middleweight champion looking to fight middleweights, super middleweight and light heavyweights. I have a lot of confidence in Canelo.
“He is very strong, and has many qualities, and I know that he is going to win his fight (against Makabu)."