Canelo Alvarez regained the WBC super-middleweight world title with a unanimous decision over Christian Mbilli at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 31 October. After 12 rounds without a knockout, the judges scored it 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 for the 36-year-old Mexican. According to VnExpress, it is Canelo's first world title since he lost all four super-middleweight belts to Terence Crawford 13 months ago.
Canelo in control
There were doubts beforehand after the longest lay-off of Canelo's career and elbow surgery. VnExpress notes that Mbilli, 31, throws about 70 punches per round, double Canelo's usual output. The defending champion was busier early on, but from round 3 Canelo leaned on the ropes and beckoned his opponent forward.
In round 8 referee Hector Afu deducted 1 point from Mbilli for punching to the back of the head; VnExpress reports that Canelo complained it was the third such foul. From round 9 Canelo held the centre of the ring and increased the pressure.
Key numbers from the fight, compiled by KBVN+ from SGGP and VnExpress:
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Judges' scores | 117-110, 116-111, 115-112 for Canelo |
| Power punches landed (CompuBox, via SGGP) | Canelo 132, Mbilli 99 |
| Point deduction | Mbilli, 1 point in round 8 |
| Canelo's new pro record | 64 wins, 3 defeats, 2 draws (39 knockouts) |
An emotional champion
Canelo said the feeling was unbelievable, like winning his first world title, SGGP reports. He noted he has been a professional for 21 years and won his first title 16 years ago, and he thanked trainer Eddy Reynoso for the game plan. VnExpress adds that he thanked his family, who for the first time had to watch him fight from afar, without explaining why they were absent.
A fight amid security fears
According to VnExpress, the Saudi-led coalition said in the week before the fight that it had intercepted several missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces. Some sporting events in the country were cancelled or postponed, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition. Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, had insisted Canelo was determined to fight in Riyadh regardless.
What comes next
Canelo did not name his next opponent but said he will return to training after about two weeks of rest. VnExpress says he had previously revealed plans to fight in Saudi Arabia again in early 2027. His longer-term aims are thought to include reclaiming the belts lost to Crawford or a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who beat him in 2022.