Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is world champion again one year on from losing all of his super-middleweight belts to Terence Crawford.
That September 2025 defeat was just the third of Canelo’s career. Crawford retired shortly after, and the belts were scattered. Christian Mbilli was elevated from interim to full champion, and his first defence was booked against Alvarez, who was returning after elbow surgery.
Last night in Riyadh, the Mexican tamed Mbilli, who has won all of his previous bouts through relentless pressure. Canelo’s timing, accuracy and defence proved that he is still at the very top level even 69 fights into his career, and, by the halfway stage, Mbilli had no answer. He lost by unanimous decision, losing the belt.
Post-fight, Canelo was congratulated by Terence Crawford via social media, continuing what was a respectful rivalry before and after their fight.
Around the same time, the new champion was being interviewed by Fight Hub TV. After relishing the win, he once again called for the rematch.
“I felt like I did when I won my first title. After twenty-one years as a professional, sixteen since my first world championship, I feel like I’ve just won the first one. [I’m] grateful to everyone who supports me and [I’m] representing my country with so much pride.”
“Let’s hope [Crawford comes out of retirement]. Let’s hope so. Honestly, we’d love to have that rematch. Like I said, if not, we’ll keep moving forward with our career, but hopefully that fight can happen.”
Despite having an offer to return on the table by boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, Crawford says he is comfortable in retirement and has nothing left to prove. In fact, his record now looks more impressive given Canelo’s performance against Mbilli, who many felt he would struggle with if he had lost a step or two.
Some high profile names in the sport believe he will return for the right fight, but that does not appear to be a rematch with Alvarez.
Canelo and his team will therefore meet in a few weeks to discuss next steps.
