Canelo Alvarez faces a climb back to the top after losing his undisputed title and there is one super-middleweight who is hoping to benefit, after being unable to land a fight with the Mexican when he had the belts.
Canelo became a two-time undisputed champion of the division when he outpointed William Scull in an underwhelming points victory back in May, but the flaws of the 35-year-old were capitalided upon later that year.
In September, Terence Crawford secured one of the most impressive victories of the modern era as the former lightweight world champion conquered a fifth division and became just the second three-division undisputed champion in boxing history.
Crawford has since opted to retire from the sport off the back of his career-best win and thus the titles have become fragmented, but one man who may be poised to benefit is Cameroon-born Christian Mbilli.
Mbilli has held the WBC interim title since June and is expected to fight for the vacant WBC super-middleweight world title upon his next outing, but Canelo (WBC #1) and Hamzah Sheeraz (WBC #2) have both turned down the chance to appear in the opposing corner.
Speaking with The Ring, undefeated Mbilli — who has 24 knockouts from 29 wins — revealed plans to fight Canelo after he has won the vacant belt, believing his title shot to be long overdue.
“The division was locked up with Canelo.
“Now, I think there are more opportunities because you have a lot of big talents. We are waiting to be world champion. Now I think it’s time for me and other boxers to have a chance.
“I think I will be WBC world champion very soon and after this. I want to be the division’s No. 1. I don’t know if Canelo wants to fight again. I’ll take the opportunity to beat him if I have that but first I want to be world champion.”
It now appears likely that a rematch with Lester Martinez (WBC #3) could crown the WBC’s new 168lb champion, following on from their fight of the year contender and draw on the Canelo-Crawford undercard just four months ago.
