On September 12, 2026, Christian Mbilli will step into the ring against Canelo Alvarez for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh. The matchup has sparked waves of criticism, especially from fellow boxer David Benavidez, who bluntly stated, “Nobody wants to see that sh*t.”
Mbilli, who boasts an impressive record of 29 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, won the WBC Interim super-middleweight title in June 2025. He was later elevated to full champion status in January 2026. Meanwhile, Canelo comes off a challenging period—he hasn’t fought since his loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025 and has undergone surgery on his left elbow.
This fight is scheduled for Mexican Independence Day weekend, a prime time for boxing fans. Historically, Canelo has often fought on significant Mexican holidays, drawing large crowds and high viewership. His record stands at 63 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts to his name.
Benavidez’s critique raises questions about the fight’s appeal. He suggested that Canelo would have been better off fighting Diego Pacheco or even Gilberto Ramirez instead of Mbilli. The boxing community watches closely—are fans genuinely excited for this matchup?
Key statistics:
- Canelo Alvarez: 63-3-2 record
- Christian Mbilli: 29-0-1 record
- Canelo’s knockout wins: 39
- Mbilli’s knockout wins: 24
- Height: Mbilli stands at 5ft 8½in with a reach of 72in.
- Canelo is currently 35 years old; Mbilli is 31.
The anticipation surrounding this fight continues to build despite the skepticism expressed by some fans and fighters alike. With both boxers at pivotal points in their careers, September promises to be a significant moment in the boxing calendar.
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