Canelo Alvarez cites timing for Benavidez fight, targets October clash with Christian Mbilli

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez explained that a bout with David Benavidez never materialised because the ideal moment – when both were at the 168‑lb super‑middleweight limit and Benavidez held a title – never occurred. Benavidez moved up to cruiserweight, making a fair fight impossible, and Alvarez will instead face the new WBC super‑middleweight champion Christian Mbilli on Oct. 31.

Reflecting on his recent loss to Terence Crawford, Alvarez said he was mentally unfocused during the fight and did not expect Crawford to be as good as he turned out to be. He described the defeat as a learning experience and confirmed his focus on moving forward with the upcoming Saudi Arabia bout.

The fight with Mbilli is scheduled for October 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.