WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu has sent warning - that Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will get viciously knocked out if they collide in the ring.

Last November, at the WBC's annual convention in Mexico, Canelo's manager and head trainer, Eddy Reynoso, submitted a request to challenge Makabu for his world title.

A few weeks ago, Mabaku retained his title with a twelve round decision over mandatory challenger Thabiso Mchunu.

"It's a big mistake that he makes, to me it's like he's playing and joking with boxing. Boxing is a virtuous sport. If he goes up to cruiserweight, he's going to get brutally knocked out. If they think Canelo hits hard, they don't know what awaits for him with me," said Makabu to Fight Hub TV.

"Canelo is a superstar, but I am too. They are the ones who asked for the fight. I can tell you that I think he is in serious danger by going to cruiserweight. He's committing a mistake, because I'm going to knock him out if that happens. If you think he can knock Makabu out, you're wrong. I'm ready for the fight and I can knock him out."

Canelo is the undisputed world champion at super middleweight, with four world titles around his waist.

At the moment, Canelo has backed away from heading up to cruiserweight.

There are two scenarios for Canelo right now. He has two deals on the table. The first deal, from Eddie Hearn and DAZN, would see Canelo face WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May and then Gennadiy Golovkin in September. And the second deal, a one fight agreement with Premier Boxing Champions, would see Canelo return in defend his super middleweight titles against Jermell Charlo, who would move up from 160-pounds.