Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has officially regained his WBC super middleweight championship after a dominant 12-round decision victory over French contender Christian Mbilli. The contest took place this Sunday in Riyadh, marking a triumphant return for the 36-year-old Mexican star following his September 2025 defeat to American Terence Crawford, an encounter that had stripped him of his four major division titles.
The fight occurred amidst a tense regional atmosphere, as Saudi Arabia continues to navigate escalating conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Despite the cancellation of several other high-profile sporting events due to the security situation—which includes Houthi missile and drone strikes against the Kingdom—this championship bout proceeded as scheduled. Alvarez alluded to these precarious conditions during his post-fight remarks, offering thanks to his family “who are watching me from afar today for the first time.” Which leads a coalition that supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its fight against the Houthis, a host of other sporting events has been called off since the Houthis launched drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.
While the early stages of the fight proved competitive, the momentum shifted decisively in favor of the veteran. Initially, 31-year-old Mbilli appeared active and aggressive, notably testing Alvarez with strong combinations in the third round and dictating the pace in the fifth. However, Alvarez’s superior ringcraft began to surface by the sixth round. The turning point arrived in the seventh, where the veteran landed a heavy right uppercut that visibly rattled the Frenchman. But by round three, Mbilli was ripping off combinations and looking the more active of the two fighters, he was the more composed boxer in the opening round in Riyadh.
Discipline proved costly for Mbilli in the eighth round when he was deducted a point for throwing punches behind the head. This penalty hampered his rhythm, allowing Alvarez to take full control of the closing rounds. The three judges ultimately scored the fight 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110, underscoring a convincing performance by the Mexican icon.
Reflecting on the achievement after a storied 20-year career, an emotional Alvarez struggled to find words. “It’s so difficult to explain,” he remarked. “It’s something unbelievable. It feels like my first title, now, after 20, 21 years as a professional. Sixteen years ago, I won my first title. Now I won the title again.”
This victory adds yet another accolade to a professional record that spans from light middleweight to light heavyweight, cementing Alvarez’s legacy in the sport. Mbilli, who had been elevated to titleholder status earlier in January, struggled to recover his tactical composure after the mid-fight shift, leaving the ring having surrendered the WBC belt to the returning champion.
