WBC “Gingers” up the Grand Finale of its 59th Convention

The World Boxing Council welcomed Best Pound for Pound fighter Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to participate in the closing ceremony of its fifty ninth Convention, which has this time been held in Mexico City, and he didn`t disappoint.

Two days earlier Canelo`s trainer/Manager Eddy Reynoso had stunned the Convention by formally requesting the WBC Board of Governors to allow the maestro of Guadalajara to fight imposing cruiserweight champion Ilunga Junior Makabu, and they voted YES! It will be next May.

So Canelo strode into Salon Castillo of the Hotel Presidente Intercontinental to a standing ovation.  Ilunga was there went on to the stage and the two warmly shook hands and hugged each other with curtesy and mutual respect.  Canelo told all assembled that he just loves challenges, and this is the next one.

Ilunga told the WBC: “Yes I accept the fight. When I got this news from my manager and the President I said WOW, this is something good. Canelo is the best boxer on the planet right now. So, I want to fight the best, and I accept, but there will be no catchweight for this fight.

“I think Canelo is making a big mistake, which he is going to regret, because I`ll walk away with all the clothing. Canelo wants to prove to people that he can do better than others and I am quite prepared to let Canelo try for this dream, but I`ve got my also story to write down. Yes, this is boxing. I lost to Tony Bellew, but I came back. Now I`m telling you one hundred percent, I will knock out Canelo.”

Totally unfazed Canelo said he`ll come into this fight around one hundred and eighty pounds. He calmly said: “I`m a very smart fighter. I believe in my power and my skills, so this is why we`re going to try. It`s a great challenge and a question of twenty kilos. It`s a fifty/fifty challenge, but I feel very strong. I love challenges and making history. That`s why I`m here, and I like this challenge. We will see if it is the most difficult challenge of my career on that day!

Canelo hugged seven-year-old Bridger Walker, who saved his sister from a dog attack, but suffered serious facial injuries, which required more than ninety stitches. Bridger and his family were invited to the Convention for him to receive a special belt recognizing his exceptional  courage. Canelo was tremendously impressed and it was a magic moment.