Canelo Alvarez Defeats Christian Mbilli to Reclaim WBC Super Middleweight Title

Posted : 02 November 2026

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has returned to the top of the super middleweight division after defeating Christian Mbilli by unanimous decision to reclaim the WBC world title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Mexican secured victory after 12 rounds, with the judges scoring the contest 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 in his favour. The result marked an important comeback for the 36-year-old, who had not fought since losing to American Terence Crawford in September 2025. That defeat ended his undisputed reign as champion of the division.

Mbilli, 31, entered the contest as the WBC champion after being elevated to the position earlier in the year. He initially gave Alvarez a competitive challenge, using aggressive combinations and constant pressure to make the early rounds difficult for the experienced Mexican.

The Frenchman appeared particularly lively in the third and fifth rounds, forcing Alvarez to rely on his defensive skills and ring experience. However, the former champion gradually found his rhythm and began to take control as the contest progressed.

Alvarez raised his level in the sixth round before producing one of the fight's defining moments in the seventh. He trapped Mbilli against the ropes and landed a powerful right uppercut that visibly unsettled his opponent.

Mbilli's difficulties increased in the eighth round when the referee deducted a point for a punch behind the head. Alvarez capitalised on the momentum shift, using accurate counter-punching and well-timed attacks to control the later stages and secure the decision.

The victory brought an emotional response from Alvarez, who struggled to put his feelings into words after receiving the championship belt. He compared the achievement to winning his first world title, despite having spent more than two decades competing professionally.

The Mexican has now added another championship to an impressive collection that includes titles across multiple weight divisions, from light middleweight to light heavyweight. The triumph also restored his position as a world champion following his setback against Crawford.

The fight took place against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia following reported Houthi missile and drone attacks. Several sporting events in the country were affected by the situation, although the boxing contest went ahead as scheduled.

For Mbilli, the defeat represents the first loss of his professional career, while Alvarez has answered questions about his ability to compete at the highest level after his lengthy absence from the ring.

Canelo Alvarez Defeats Christian Mbilli to Reclaim WBC Super Middleweight Title

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