Mbilli is a pressure fighter who works at a constant pace, accepts exchanges and continues to progress even when the fight gets uncomfortable. He does not wait for space or cooperation. He takes it. Berto’s view is that this kind of opponent removes choice from the equation and turns every round into a physical demand.
Mbilli is 30, undefeated, and throws a volume designed to wear opponents down. He fights at close range and forces exchanges whether the other fighter wants it or not. He creates openings by pushing and pushing opponents out of rhythm. That approach, Berto believes, is poorly aligned with the version of Alvarez seen against Crawford, where his output dropped and his legs slowed as the rounds went on.
Alvarez is 35. Stamina has been a recurring question in recent fights, and it came up again in September. Berto believes stepping straight into a high-pressure opponent will make that issue the center of the battle rather than something that can be managed. There would be little room to reset. Little space to control pace. Little chance to get back into shape.
“Is that the type of fight Canelo wants because of that loss?” said Berto as he spoke to him The Ring. “Mbilli is dangerous, and he’s violent. He’s not going to care about your health, and he’s not going to care about his. That’s the worst part.”
Instead, Berto pointed to Hamzah Sheeraz as a more sensible next step. Sheeraz is undefeated and highly rated at super middleweight, but his style is taller, more upright and less suffocating. Berto sees this as a fight where Alvarez can set distance, find his timing and see where he stands physically without being dragged into a sustained grind.
“I think the Sheeraz fight will be the perfect fight for him,” Berto said.
Mbilli may hold the WBC interim title, but Berto’s warning is about timing, not credentials. For a fighter coming off a clear loss, some fights allow room to recover form. Others demand immediate answers. Mbilli would claim them from the opening bell, and Berto believes that now makes him the wrong choice.
