Christian Mbilli’s promoter believes the undefeated WBC super middleweight champion is ready to do more than defeat Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12. He believes Mbilli can take over as boxing’s biggest star.
Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) will defend his WBC title against Canelo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in one of the biggest fights of his career. The Canada-based fighter was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt following his retirement.
Promoter Camille Estephan said Mbilli was prepared to make the most of the opportunity.
“I believe Mbilli has what it takes to use this platform to show that he is number one in the sport,” Estephan said Sky Sports Boxing.
“His goal is clearly to take Canelo’s place, and I believe he has everything in place to deliver the performance of his life. Canelo is in trouble.”
Canelo (63-3-2, 39 KOs) remains one of boxing’s most recognizable names despite losing a unanimous decision to Crawford last September. The defeat cost him the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF super middleweight titles and ended his reign as the division’s undisputed champion.
While Estephan acknowledged that Canelo’s motivation for the fight is clear, he questioned whether the Mexican star will be able to reclaim the belt.
“I believe Canelo wants to fight Mbilli to take back the WBC belt, and that’s good enough reason,” Estephan said.
“Now whether he can take it back or not is another story.
“Mbilli is going to Riyadh for nothing less than an emphatic victory.”
A win over Canelo would be the biggest win of Mbilli’s career and the first successful defense of the WBC super middleweight title he inherited following Crawford’s retirement.
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Last updated on 2026/06/18 at 13:02
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