Mbilli Scheduled to Defend WBC Super Middleweight Title Against Álvarez

Christian Mbilli is scheduled to fight Saúl Álvarez on October 31, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the WBC Super Middleweight World Championship. The bout is described as the first defense of Mbilli’s title. Neither Christian Mbilli nor Saúl Álvarez has fought in more than a year prior to the scheduled October 31, 2026 bout.

Álvarez addressed Mbilli’s chances of winning the fight, stating: “Mbilli no podría ganarme ni aunque yo tuviera cincuenta o sesenta años. No puede ganarme. Tiene cero posibilidades de ganar.”

The bout is described as a test of Christian Mbilli’s mobility against Canelo’s ability to defy age. Mbilli stated that the fight will be the Fight of the Decade.

Mbilli enters the bout with a record of 29-0-1 and 24 knockouts. His only non-win was a split draw against Lester Martínez on September 13, 2025, in a fight characterized by relentless exchanges and considered one of the best of the year.

Mbilli said of Álvarez: “Está viejo en comparación con hace cinco años. Sus reflejos y su poder de nocaut están disminuyendo, pero sigue siendo un contragolpeador peligroso. Voy a ejercer presión y veremos si puede lidiar con eso. Yo estoy en la cima y él va hacia abajo. Cuando venza a Canelo, seré la cara de la división de peso supermediano.”

Álvarez’s record stands at 63-3-2 with 39 knockouts. He has not knocked out an opponent in seven fights, with his last knockout coming against Caleb Plant in the eleventh round.

Álvarez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow to remove bone fragments and floating tissue after his fight with Crawford, a procedure performed by Dr. Mora.

Álvarez defeated Callum Smith by unanimous decision on December 19, 2020, in a fight described as a masterful demonstration of pressure and body punishment. He defeated Billy Joe Saunders on May 8, 2021, when Saunders’ corner stopped the fight after the eighth round due to a severe eye injury caused by a Canelo uppercut. Nigel Benn holds the record for the most successful defenses with 10, while Álvarez is second with 9 successful defenses.

Álvarez said: “Estoy muy contento con lo que he logrado, pero voy por más. Quiero desafiar a los mejores y estoy listo. Durante toda mi carrera he aceptado peleas que nadie más quería, porque no le tengo miedo a ningún hombre. A este nivel, hay un margen de error entre la victoria y la derrota.” The fight will be broadcast internationally on DAZN PPV.