Canelo Alvarez Defeats Christian Mbilli to Reclaim WBC Title in Riyadh
Mexican boxing star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez secured a commanding 12-round decision victory over France's Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reclaiming the WBC super middleweight title on Sunday.
The 36-year-old veteran returned to the ring following a September 2025 defeat to American Terence Crawford, which had ended Alvarez's reign holding all four major division titles. Mbilli, 31, had been elevated to titleholder in January. The bout began as a tight tactical contest, with Mbilli pushing the action and landing combinations in the early rounds. However, Alvarez turned the tide starting in the sixth round, landing a damaging right uppercut in the seventh that left the French fighter rocking. Mbilli also had a point deducted in the eighth round for punching behind the head, allowing the experienced Mexican champion to take control of the closing rounds.
Judges scored the bout 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110 in favor of Alvarez, who admitted the emotional victory felt remarkably like winning his first world title two decades ago. The event proceeded in Riyadh despite broader regional security tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis that had prompted the cancellation of other sporting events.
