Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is set to return on September 12, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and face Christian Mbilli, 29-0-1 (24 KOs), in a battle for the WBC super middleweight title. Come fight night, the Mexican will have been inactive for a day shy of one year, after losing all 168-pound belts to Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025.
Alvarez, 63-3-2 (39 KOs), has taken the time out of the ring to recharge his batteries, solve the odd niggling injury, and refocus. He had wanted a rematch with Crawford, who beat him via deserved unanimous decision, but "Bud" has since retired. For now, then, Mbilli will have to do.
"After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same: to challenge myself, represent Mexico, and continue building my legacy," said Alvarez, who will be 36 in July and this bout will mark his 22nd year as a professional boxer.
"Mbilli is undefeated, and a great fighter, and I must 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."
Canelo remains a huge draw in the sport despite his advancing years. Though the loss to Crawford was fair, the veteran was competitive throughout. Prior to that defeat he was the holder of all four belts in the super middleweight class after claiming titles at 154 and 160 previously.
Mbilli, at least comparatively speaking, is an unknown quantity. But the Frenchman, who was born in Cameroon, is a former WBC interim beltholder who was elevated to champion-status when Crawford retired. The 31-year-old was last seen in a thrilling 10-round draw with Lester Martinez on the Crawford-Canelo undercard in Las Vegas.
"My last fight was fight of the year," Mbilli said of his titanic slugfest with Martinez. "In September, against Canelo Alvarez, it will be the fight of the decade. And when it is over, the world will witness a historic victory for me."
