Canelo Alvarez vs Ilunga Makabu tale of the tape: How fighters compare with Mexican looking to conqu

CANELO ALVAREZ has sensationally been given the nod to move up to cruiserweight to challenge champion Ilunga Makabu.

The WBC announced at their annual convention that they have given their blessing for Makabu to defend his title against the Mexican.

Canelo is already a four-division champion, having won belts from light-middleweight all the way to light-heavyweight.

But he appears to have a FIFTH weight class eyed after requesting to fight Makabu, who was knocked out by Tony Bellew in 2016.

Here, SunSport compares the two fighters.

SPEED

Canelo is one of the most destructive combination punchers in the sport, letting fly with beautiful shots in numbers.

But his hands are not always eye-catching, as he instead focuses more on accuracy and timing.

That being said, he is by far the speedier puncher than Makabu, who does still poses quick hands for his size.

Neither men have particularly sharp feet, but Canelo is always on the move and often cuts off the ring.

POWER

Canelo has heavy hands, with 39 knockouts in his 57 wins, and importantly carries his power into the later rounds.

That was on shown when he beat Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light-heavyweight title, which he won in round 11.

If he is to use similar tactics to take Makabu out late, that power will be vital to breaking down the Congolese veteran.

But due to the size different, Makabu will carry a power advantage, taking 25 KOs into the fight from 28 won.

EXPERIENCE

Despite Makabu, 34, being three years older, Canelo, 31, has exactly double the amount of fights.

Not many other fighters can claim to have more experience than Canelo, who amazingly turned professional at just 15.

He has also shared the ring with some of the best in his era, including Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin and Kovalev.

And for Makabu, he has been involved in just three world titles fight, with only his 2016 loss to Bellew a recognised name on his record.

RECORD

Canelo’s one loss as a 23-year-old in 2013 against Mayweather proved a turning point in his career, as he seemed to adapt and improve his style thereafter.

But he was deemed fortunate to walk away with a draw against GGG in 2017 and a win in their rematch a year later.

Having also faced the best all the way from 154-175lb, Canelo has almost seen it all in the ring.

And Makabu’s lack of established opponents on his resume makes for comfortable viewing for Alvarez.

PHYSIQUE

Makabu carries in a height and reach advantage, standing 6ft compared to 5ft 9in Canelo, and has an almost four inch reach advantage.

But they were almost identical stats in Plant’s favour, before the American was knocked out with a round to go.

Makabu is also over TWO STONE heavier than Canelo if you compare their last fights, which were two weights apart.

He does also have a southpaw stance, but that did not help Billy Joe Saunders, who was left with FOUR face fractures in May after losing in round eight.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk