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Canelo Alvarez reclaims WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defeated Christian Mbilli via unanimous decision to reclaim the WBC super middleweight championship. The bout, held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked Alvarez’s return to the ring following a 13-month hiatus and a previous loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025.
The judges scored the 12-round contest 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110 in favor of the Mexican star. While Mbilli applied significant pressure during the early rounds, Alvarez utilized superior ring IQ, counter-punching, and body work to seize control from the sixth round onward. A pivotal moment occurred in the eighth round when the referee deducted a point from Mbilli for an illegal blow to the back of Alvarez’s head.
With this victory, Alvarez improves his professional record to 64 wins, three losses, and two draws. The defeat ended Mbilli’s undefeated professional streak, bringing his record to 29 wins, one loss, and one draw. Post-fight, Alvarez expressed his excitement regarding the win, noting the significance of reclaiming a world title after 21 years in the professional sport.
Entities
Canelo Álvarez · Christian Mbilli · Jaime Munguía · Kingdom Arena · Riyadh · Saul Canelo Alvarez · Saúl Álvarez · Terence Crawford · Turki Alalshikh · WBC · World Boxing Council
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The event is being held at the ANB Arena.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Christian Mbilli was the interim WBC super-middleweight champion until Terence Crawford retired.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alvarez underwent elbow surgery following his previous fight.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The fight is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. www.covers.com · depor.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Canelo Alvarez is returning to the ring after a loss to Terence Crawford. www.covers.com · depor.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli are fighting for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. www.covers.com · depor.com