LAS VEGAS - While some may not like Canelo Alvarez's move up to the cruiserweight division, former champion Shawn Porter is in favor of Alvarez's attempt to become the first Mexico born five-division champion.

Canelo's intentions were revealed at the WBC's annual convention this week when his team asked the organization to sanction a bout against WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu.  If an agreement is reached, the fight will take place on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2022.

The move has invoked mixed reactions from the boxing media but Porter believes that everything Canelo does is a benefit to the sport.

"I love to see him to do it, man. He is not carrying this sport but he is a big part of this sport. No matter where he goes or no matter what he does everybody is going to tune in. The more he can challenge himself and get everyone to rock with him. I dig everything this man has done. I dig what he did against Caleb Plant. He is solid, man," Porter stated.

Porter of course has his own business to attend to.  On Saturday he takes on WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford in a ESPN+ pay-per-view main event.  The showdown takes place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas strip.

Crawford enters the fight a sizable betting favorite but Porter is very confident that he will pull off the upset.

"Here is why I am confident. I rise to the occasion. Understanding everything that he does in the ring and the way he makes adjustments and things like that is going to force me to make the adjustments and do the necessary things to get the job done," said Porter.

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