Canelo Alvarez is set to fight Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title on September 12, 2026, in Riyadh. This matchup comes after Alvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025.
Alvarez has not fought since that defeat and underwent surgery on his left elbow afterward. His professional record stands at 63 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws.
In contrast, Mbilli boasts an undefeated record of 29 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. He won the WBC Interim super-middleweight title in June 2025 and was elevated to full champion in January 2026.
David Benavidez has publicly criticized the upcoming fight, stating, “Nobody wants to see that sh*t.” He suggested that Alvarez would have been better off fighting Diego Pacheco instead.
This fight is scheduled for Mexican Independence Day weekend, a period when Alvarez typically fights. Fans are concerned about its appeal compared to other bouts featuring fighters like Gilberto Ramirez.
Fighter statistics:
- Canelo Alvarez: Height – 5ft 8in; Reach – N/A
- Christian Mbilli: Height – 5ft 8½in; Reach – 72in
- Canelo’s knockout wins: 39
- Mbilli’s knockout wins: 24
The boxing community is divided on the matchup. Some see it as a continuation of Alvarez’s legacy, while others echo Benavidez’s sentiment regarding its lack of excitement.
Mike Coppinger reported that a deal for the fight has been finalized. Observers are eager to see how this bout unfolds given the contrasting narratives surrounding both fighters.
