Canelo Alvarez will return to boxing a year after his stunning defeat to Terence Crawford and fight Christian Mbilli for the WBC 168lb world title on September 12.
Alvarez will look to win back one of the titles he used to hold when he takes on WBC super-middleweight world champion Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same: to challenge myself, represent Mexico, and continue building my legacy,” Alvarez said.
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Watch highlights as Terence Crawford stunned Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super-middleweight champion. Canelo vs. Crawford is now available to watch globally only on Netflix.
“Mbilli is undefeated, and a great fighter, and I respect that. But my focus is always on my preparation, performance, and giving the fans another great night of boxing.
“On September 12 in Riyadh, we begin a new chapter with the same discipline, ambition, and vision that has carried me throughout my career.”
Mexico’s Alvarez is a superstar in the sport and was a dominant undisputed super-middleweight champion until Crawford overcame him in Las Vegas last year.
Alvarez has not fought since, while Crawford retired, allowing Mbilli to rise through the ranks and claim the WBC world championship.
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Canelo Alvarez admits he ‘couldn’t figure out’ Terence Crawford’s style following his defeat to the American super-middleweight.
Mbilli said: “My last fight was the fight of the year. In September, against Canelo Alvarez, it will be the fight of the decade. And when the fight is over, the world will witness a historic victory for me.”
A blend of styles
As well as offering Alvarez an immediate return to world title competition, the bout will also be an enticing blend of styles. Mbilli – 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,” Top Rank president Todd duBoef previously told Sky Sports.
Christian Mbilli celebrates after winning the WBC Interim super-middleweight title against Maciej Sulecki in 2025.
“That’s an excellent stylistic fight. You can see the styles come together.”
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