Trainer Robert Garcia believes Canelo Alvarez can defeat Christian Mbilli, but he expects a much closer fight than many fans expect when they meet for the WBC super middleweight title on September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli is an absolute cardio machine, a human volume monster who brings relentless pressure from the opening bell to the final second. Canelo will fight for the first time since losing his four belts to Terence Crawford in September 2025. In that fight, Canelo was visibly tired in the midsection, which allowed Crawford to control the second half.
Robert believes the bout is far more dangerous than some fans realize and questioned how Canelo will look in his comeback from the Crawford loss.
“Mbilli is tough, man. He had a really good fight with Lester, and Lester is a great fighter as well, so it’s going to be interesting to see how Canelo comes back after that beating he took, that loss he took,” Robert told YSM Sports media.
“It’s a close fight. I’m still in favor of Canelo, but it’s not going to be easy.”
Robert also praised Canelo for taking on a tough assignment rather than easing his way back in with a lower-risk opponent.
“I think Canelo is hungry to prove that he’s still out there, that he still belongs up there. So that’s good. You’ve got to give him respect for that because he could have easily taken an easy comeback fight. Easy.”
Mbilli’s split draw against Lester Martinez on the same September undercard showed he can be hit, but it also showed the qualities that make him dangerous. The undefeated champion continued to push forward through difficult moments and maintained his output deep into the fight. These are the types of traits that could put a 35-year-old Canelo to the test in handing him the first clear loss of his professional career.
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Last updated on 2026/06/19 at 12:34
