Rather than talking about commitments or the mechanics of a first defense, Mbilli focused on opponent value. He named Saul Alvarez, Jaime Munguia, Caleb Plant and Edgar Berlanga as targets. The message was simple. His next fight should raise his profile, not just add another defense to his record.
That recognition says more about Mbilli’s position than the title upgrade itself. After years near the top of the rankings, he reached champion status without becoming a draw. The WBC belt cements his place in the division. It does not force the division to respond to him.
In practical terms, the height may have cost him leverage. As interim champion, Mbilli had an obligation. As a full champion, he enters a voluntary window and waits for an opponent who gains something by facing him. The fighters he mentioned don’t need him the same way he needs them.
The one fight that would settle questions remains on hold. A rematch with Lester Martinez, who fought Mbilli to a draw, was pushed back in favor of a bigger name. Mbilli admitted the fight will probably take place later, but not now.
That choice reflects the band he’s in. A Martinez rematch brings risk without adding profile, while the names he’s chasing bring profile without obligation.
Mbilli did not try to mitigate that reality. He said it clearly. He has a world title and has yet to sell himself.
The belt is genuine, but recognition has not followed. Until that changes, Mbilli’s title reign begins from a position of guard rather than one of control.
