Canelo Alvarez to Challenge Christian Mbilli for WBC Title in September

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is expected to face Christian Mbilli in September 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Ring Magazine, with both camps indicating the matchup is nearing completion.

Ring Magazine reported that Alvarez is expected to fight Mbilli in Saudi Arabia, though no official date was included. Alvarez had previously targeted a return on September 12 to align with Mexican Independence Day weekend, and the bout is now positioned for that timeframe. Eddy Reynoso had earlier told BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire he was expecting Mbilli as the opponent before the report surfaced, and also identified Mbilli, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Lester Martínez as potential options, with Mbilli generating the most interest.

The fight is reported to be finalized for Mbilli’s WBC super middleweight title, which would mark his first defense since being elevated from interim status after Terence Crawford was stripped. Mbilli, a Cameroon-born French national based in Montreal, last fought to a split draw against Lester Martínez in September 2025 in Las Vegas, a bout widely regarded as one of the year’s most action-heavy contests.

Alvarez is returning from a period of inactivity following his September loss to Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium, where he surrendered the undisputed super middleweight championship. He subsequently underwent surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies and has since resumed training ahead of a planned fall return.

Benavidez camp criticises Mbilli fight announcement

The timing and opponent have drawn criticism from David Benavidez and his team, particularly as the news broke during fight week for Benavidez’s unification bout with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Benavidez, who had long pursued a fight with Alvarez, reacted bluntly: “Nobody wants to see that sh**!” and suggested that a bout with former teammate Diego Pacheco would have been more compelling.

Benavidez has spent years as the WBC’s top contender without securing a shot at Alvarez, and has now largely moved on from the matchup. His father, Jose Benavidez Sr., stated that they “don’t care” about facing Alvarez anymore, adding that their previous interest was tied to Alvarez’s status at 168 pounds.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz also took aim at Alvarez’s decision to fight in Saudi Arabia, arguing it reflects a focus on financial incentives over traditional dates and locations, while suggesting it impacts Alvarez’s standing within Mexican boxing.

Stephen Espinoza offered a more measured view to Fight Hype, noting the timing of the announcement but describing Mbilli as “a tougher, high-quality opponent” who will demand a strong performance from Alvarez despite not being a mainstream name.

Mbilli title defense reshapes 168lb picture

The matchup arrives at a transitional moment in the super middleweight division. Mbilli now holds the WBC title, with Osleys Iglesias (IBF) and Jose Armando Resendiz (WBA) also occupying championship positions, while the WBO belt remains vacant ahead of Hamzah Sheeraz’s May 23 bout with Alem Begic at the Pyramids of Giza.

Jaime Munguia, now training under Reynoso, is set to face Resendiz, a result that could further complicate future matchmaking given shared promotional ties.

For Alvarez, the fight represents a return against a newly crowned champion following injury recovery and defeat, while for Mbilli it is an immediate high-profile defense against one of the division’s defining figures.