Canelo Alvarez to face Christian Mbilli for WBC super‑middleweight title in Riyadh

Mexican champion Canelo Alvarez will return to the ring on September 12 to defend the WBC super‑middleweight title against reigning champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout follows Canelo’s loss to Terence Crawford last September, marking his first fight since that defeat.

Trainer Robert Garcia praised Canelo’s willingness to take a difficult opponent, noting the fight “won’t be easy” and predicting a close contest. Garcia highlighted Mbilli’s cardio and pressure, recalling his strong performance against Lester Martinez. Mbilli, who claimed the title after Crawford vacated it, is described as a “human volume monster” and is confident he is in his prime.

Both parties view the match as a pivotal test: Canelo aims to prove he remains a top‑tier fighter, while Mbilli seeks to solidify his reign by defeating a high‑profile opponent.