Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has confirmed the reports of his fight with WBC champion Christian Mbilli with an official announcement.
Canelo, who holds a professional record of 63-3-2 with 39 KOs, was last in action in September 2025 when he was defeated by pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford.
The Mexican icon lost his undisputed super-middleweight title that night in what was his first defeat in the division, but now looks to win one of the belts straight back when he challenges new champion Mbilli on September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Confirming the news, Alvarez said:
“After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same: to challenge myself, represent Mexico, and continue building my legacy.
“Mbilli is undefeated, and a great fighter, and I respect that. But my focus is always on my preparation, performance, and giving the fans another great night of boxing.
“On September 12 in Riyadh, we begin a new chapter with the same discipline, ambition, and vision that has carried me throughout my career.”
Mbilli secured the interim WBC belt by beating Maciej Sulecki in June of 2025 and reatined it after an entertaining draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo vs Crawford undercard. When Crawford retired, 29-0-1 Mbilli was elevated to full champion.
In his own statement, the new champion promised ‘the fight of the decade’.
“My last fight was the fight of the year. In September, against Canelo Alvarez, it will be the fight of the decade. And when the fight is over, the world will witness a historic victory for me.”
The fight will top the bill of a card titled ‘Mexico vs the world’, with undercard details expected to be revealed at next week’s launch press conference in Egypt.