Canelo Alvarez Returns to Riyadh to Defend WBC Super Middleweight Title
The 36-year-old Mexican boxer faces undefeated Christian Mbilli in a bout that tests his current form after a recent loss to Terence Crawford.
By Alina Carter ·
Canelo Alvarez will return to competitive boxing this Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 36-year-old fighter seeks to reclaim the WBC super middleweight title against Christian Mbilli. The bout is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on DAZN's pay-per-view service.
Alvarez enters the ring with a professional record of 63 wins, three losses, and two draws. His last appearance came 13 months ago, a hiatus necessitated by elbow surgery. He lost that previous fight to Terence Crawford via unanimous decision in 2025. Crawford, who was two weeks shy of his 38th birthday at the time, moved up in weight class to secure the victory.
Betting markets list Alvarez as the favorite, with odds as high as 3-to-1 against Mbilli. Mbilli, a 31-year-old from Cameroon who trains in Montreal, holds a record of 29 wins and one draw with no losses. Despite the odds, questions persist about Alvarez's current level after 68 professional fights and 21 years in the sport.
During a pre-fight face-off event last month, Alvarez addressed concerns about his age and past peaks. When asked if he doubted his current abilities, he responded with a calm demeanor. "No, I'm very good," Alvarez said. He later added that Mbilli would discover the difference in their levels, joking that it would take ten of his opponent to beat him.
Mbilli acknowledged Alvarez's experience but suggested the Mexican fighter is past his prime. "Yes, [Alvarez] is old now, but he is still very dangerous," Mbilli stated. He noted that Alvarez's power may have diminished slightly compared to five years ago, viewing this as the optimal timing for his own career advancement.
Alvarez's trajectory has shifted since 2022, the year he suffered his first loss in nine years to Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight. Since that setback, he has won four consecutive decisions. These victories came against opponents who appeared unwilling to engage or were not on his skill level, extending his streak without a knockout.
The loss to Crawford marked a turning point for his legacy, which already includes titles in four weight divisions and a period as the pound-for-pound champion. While he remains a historical giant in boxing, the recent defeat forced a reassessment of his status among the current elite. Alvarez has focused on preparation in Spain, aiming to use Mbilli's style as an advantage.
Mbilli is known for an aggressive, forward-moving style that leaves little room for defense. In his last fight last September, he engaged in a high-volume bout against Lester Martinez that ended in a split draw. Alvarez described the action as chaotic, noting that while the punches were frequent, it lacked traditional boxing strategy.
The upcoming bout offers a distinct test of Alvarez's counter-punching ability. If he retains even a fraction of his 2021 form, his accuracy could control the fight. However, if his power or sharpness has faded, Mbilli's relentless pressure presents a significant challenge. The result will determine whether Alvarez remains a top-tier contender or if his elite era has concluded.
