Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight title with a vintage performance against Christian Mbilli in Riyadh. Just over one year after losing his belts to Terance Crawford, the Mexican star returned to action with a confident victory by unanimous decision.
A Historic Victory in Riyadh
The 36-year-old showcased his trademark slick defense and counter-punching in his 69th professional fight. Alvarez outclassed Mbilli to secure victory with the judges scoring the bout 115–112, 116–111, and 117–110.
This marked the 64th victory of the four-weight world champion’s career, while the 31-year-old Mbilli suffered his first defeat in 31 bouts. “It’s so difficult to explain,” Alvarez said. “It’s something unbelievable, this feeling. Like my first title. Thirty-one years as a professional. Sixteen years ago, I won my first title. Now, I won the title again. I’m so proud.”
Doubts had surfaced prior to the event regarding whether the fight could proceed safely amid growing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Two days before the bout, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Civil Defence had intercepted two ballistic missiles over Riyadh. A previous missile strike in October at King Khalid International Airport had killed 13 people and injured more than 300. While several other sporting events in the country faced cancellation, combat sports events continued.
Inside the Ring
Cameroon-born Mbilli, training out of Canada, was making the first defense of his WBC title after becoming champion in January. Alvarez entered the ring competing for the first time without a world title since 2015.
Observers questioned whether Alvarez’s abilities were fading following his defeat by Crawford and an extended absence from the ring. Mbilli applied pressure early, trapping Alvarez against the ropes while the Mexican aimed for heavy counterpunches. Alvarez dismissed the impact by shaking his head and encouraging Mbilli to attack again.
Although Mbilli threw a higher volume of punches, Alvarez landed the more impactful shots, including powerful right uppercuts in the sixth round. The dynamic persisted as Alvarez countered the active but largely ineffective challenger. Mbilli also suffered a point deduction for landing punches to the back of the head.
Alvarez comfortably managed the remaining rounds as Mbilli continued pressing forward without posing a significant threat. Despite Mbilli landing a couple of strong right hands near the end, Alvarez’s defense and precise timing maintained his advantage.
Alvarez did not specify his next opponent in his post-fight interview, but indicated he plans to resume training soon. “I’m going to rest. I’m going to keep learning. I’m going to keep working hard,” Alvarez said. “And right now I’m going to be a couple of weeks off and then come back.”
