Canelo Vs. Mbilli Reportedly A Done Deal

Canelo Alvarez will challenge WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli on September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight has been confirmed as a done deal and will headline a “Mexico vs The World” card that also marks the debut of Canelo Promotions. Canelo dropped a decision to Terence Crawford in his last fight, surrendering his undisputed super middleweight titles in the process.

Crawford’s retirement last December and subsequent WBC payment dispute stripped the belts from him entirely, reopening the division. Mbilli, meanwhile, appeared on the same card and was held to a draw by Lester Martinez, a result that cast doubt over his interim WBC status. The WBC nonetheless elevated him to full champion in January 2026.

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For Canelo, a victory over Mbilli gets him a world title and puts him back on the path toward undisputed status. It also sets up potentially lucrative rematches and further bouts under the newly launched Canelo Promotions banner.

Mbilli presents a credible obstacle. The Cameroonian-French Canadian is unbeaten in 30 professional bouts and owns a knockout rate of over 80 percent. His draw with Martinez did not diminish his punching power or his credentials as a genuine title holder. At 30, he is entering his prime years and will have no shortage of motivation. Canelo, though, will be the favorite. Based on his recent comments, he has a title in sight.

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“I am unstoppable because I’m not undefeated, nor am I perfect by any means, but that doesn’t stop me from staying excited, believing, and dreaming about what’s to come and that I will be a world champion again,” Canelo said

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