CANELO ALVAREZ's next opponent, Ilunga Makabu, is a familiar face to British boxing fans.
Many would have searched Makabu's name quickly after hearing that Canelo was granted permission by the WBC to jump to CRUISERWEIGHT.
Tony Bellew knocked out Ilunga Makabu in 2016
#OnThisDay in 2016
Sky Sports (@SkySports), May 29, 2020
@TonyBellew won the WBC cruiserweight title with a sensational third-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu at @Everton pic.twitter.com/QanGBXRLsc
Others would have recognized him from his fight with Bellew for the 2016 world title at Evertonian's Goodison Park.
It was his coronation evening and culminated in three rounds of chaotic, explosive action.
After a left-hand, Bellew, now 38 years old, fell in the first round. It was so difficult that the Brit had to do a backwards roll.
Makabu, 34 years old, was brutally knocked off the ropes halfway through round 3. He had landed a devastating left-hook.
It was the cruiserweight's final career loss. He has won nine victories since then, defeating Pole Michal Cieslak (32), for the vacant WBC belt.
Canelo, 31, has also won belts at light-middleweight and light-heavyweight.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALSHis biggest career win was the WBO 175lb title, which he won after beating Sergey Kovalev (39), in November 2019.
However, Canelo quickly moved down to super-middleweight and has since settled in his new weight.
In just eleven months and four fights, the Mexican star became the undisputed champion.
He won over Callum Smith (31), Avni Yoldirim (30), Billy Joe Saunders (32) and Caleb Plant (29).
Canelo is currently a free agent, but talk quickly turned to the future.
Eddy Reynoso, his trainer and manager, suggested Artur Beterbiev (36), Dmitry Bivol (30), Jermall Charlo (31) and David Benavidez (24) as possible options.
However, Canelo has been able to move as high as 14st 4lb cruiserweight. This is more than TWO STONE more than Canelo’s usual fighting weight.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter, revealed that Bellew had personally warned him about Makabu's power.
Hearn said to iFL TV, "I believe it's a dangerous battle."
Tony Bellew, who could look real good in a few short months, said Makabu is a big puncher, huge puncher and very strong.
Hearn said, "I like the fight with Makabu. It's a very dangerous fight. I believe it's exciting. As I mentioned, Saul and Eddy are keen to make history.
They don't want boring, monotonous fights. Every fight must have a meaning."
