The World Boxing Council has continued their annual convention in Mexico. And the closing ceremony of their fifty-ninth convention was attended by four division world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

Two days earlier, Canelo's trainer/manager Eddy Reynoso had stunned the entire convention by formally requesting the WBC Board of Governors to allow his boxer to fight imposing cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu.

The WBC approved the request - with the showdown targeted for next May.

Canelo strode into Salon Castillo of the Hotel Presidente Intercontinental to a standing ovation.

Makabu was also present and proceeded to go on stage where the two fighters shook hands and hugged each other with mutual respect.  

Canelo told the audience that he just loves challenges, and this fight with Makabu will be the next one.

Makabu indicates that there won't be a catch-weight. He says the full cruiserweight limit of 200-pounds will be in place - 32 more than Canelo's current fighting weight of 168.

“Yes I accept the fight. When I got this news from my manager and the [WBC] 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 catch-weight for this fight," Makabu said.

“I think Canelo is making a big mistake, which he is going to regret, because I`ll walk away with all the [titles]. 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 also got my own story to write down. Yes, this is boxing. I lost to Tony Bellew, but I came back. Now I'm telling you.... 100%, I will knock out Canelo.”