Former world champion Canelo Alvarez is set to fight newly crowned super-middleweight title-holder Christian Mbilli in the autumn, says Top Rank president Todd duBoef.
Canelo is looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Terence Crawford last September, a fight that ended his reign as the undisputed super-middleweight champion.
The undefeated Mbilli was elevated to WBC super-middleweight champion after Crawford retired and has been gunning for a fight with one of boxing’s biggest stars in Canelo – a contest which Mbilli’s promoter says is set to happen.
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Canelo Alvarez chipped in at during the LIV Pro-Am in Mexico City.
“We’ve worked with our partners in Canada [Eye of the Tiger, which co-promotes Mbilli],” duBoef told Sky Sports. “That’s the fight that’s being targeted.
“They’re talking about the fall [for it to take place].”
Christian Mbilli’s draw with Lester Martinez saw him hold on to the WBC title and his undefeated professional record
As well as offering Alvarez an immediate return to world title competition, the bout will also be an enticing blend of styles. Mbili – who boasts explosive power and harbours a reputation as one of the division’s more aggressive fighters – has been billed as the perfect opponent for Canelo, whose characteristic counter-punches bank on ill-fated swings from his opponents.
“I think stylistically for both guys, it’s a good fight. Canelo needs [Mbilli’s style] too. He needs a guy that’s going to come to him – that’s where he really excels,” duBoef said.
Christian Mbilli celebrates after winning the WBC Interim super-middleweight title against Maciej Sulecki in 2025.
“[Canelo’s] got nothing to lose, only to gain. And we don’t know how many more days Canelo’s got left.
“That’s an excellent stylistic fight. You can see the styles come together.”
The Ring magazine had previously reported that the fight is set to headline a Riyadh Season event and take place in Saudi Arabia on September 12, though neither the date nor the location of the fight have been officially confirmed.
Don’t miss Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki live on Sky Sports on June 6.
