Saul "Canelo" Alvarez earned a unanimous decision over Christian Mbilli with official scores of 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110 to regain the WBC super middleweight belt. Mbilli started aggressively with combinations before Alvarez turned the tide with a heavy seventh-round right uppercut. Mbilli was also penalized a point in the eighth round for punching behind the head, allowing Alvarez to control the final rounds. The 36-year-old dedicated the win to his family, who watched remotely amid local security concerns.
Key points
Saul Alvarez successfully returned to world championship status in his first bout since l…: Saul Alvarez successfully returned to world championship status in his first bout since losing to Terence Crawford.
A decisive momentum shift began in the seventh round when Alvarez staggered Mbilli agains…: A decisive momentum shift began in the seventh round when Alvarez staggered Mbilli against the ropes with an uppercut.
Major international sports proceeded in Riyadh despite heightened regional tensions that…: Major international sports proceeded in Riyadh despite heightened regional tensions that previously forced cancellations of other events.
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Mexican boxing star wins 12-round decision to defeat the French fighter and regain the super middleweight belt.
Mexican veteran Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has delivered a commanding performance to defeat French fighter Christian Mbilli and regain his WBC super middleweight title in an emotional victory in Saudi Arabia.
Alvarez won a 12-round decision on Sunday in Riyadh after exerting his influence in the second half of a fight that went ahead despite the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis.
The 36-year-old Mexican was returning to the ring for the first time since he was beaten by American Terence Crawford in September 2025 in a loss that ended Alvarez’s reign as holder of the division’s four major titles.
He faced Mbilli, 31, who was elevated to titleholder in January, and the fight, which started off as a tight contest, turned into a convincing victory for Alvarez.
The judges scored the contest 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 in Alvarez’s favour.
The Mexican superstar struggled for words after receiving the belt.
“It’s so difficult to explain. It’s so difficult to explain,” Alvarez said…
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