Christian Mbilli has voed to “come back stronger” following his defeat to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
The 31-year-old was upgraded from interim to full WBC champion last year in the 168lbs ranks when Terence Crawford – who had just won all the belts from Alvarez – announced his retirement.
Mbilli took the most lucrative first defence on offer, giving Canelo an immediate shot to win back his old title.
As the rounds progressed on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Mexican’s experience and superior skills showed through. Canelo steadily took control of proceedings, disrupting Mbilli’s usually relentless pace and countering to take a clear unanimous decision victory and become champion once again.
A day after suffering the first defeat of his career, Mbilli took to Instagram to thank fans and confirm that his motivation remains.
“Last night didn’t go the way I wanted. I’m taking this as a lesson, heading back to the gym, and I’ll come back stronger. Thanks to my team and to all of you for your messages of support.”
The super-middleweight division still offers the French-Cameroonian pressure fighter plenty of options for big nights under the lights and there are three other major belts for him to pursue.
As for Canelo, his 70th pro bout is now around the corner, with a return planned for March next year – the last fight in his current contract with Riyadh Season.
Whether he looks for the biggest name possible or targets a fellow champion remains to be seen. WBA champion Jaime Munguia is not on the table, given Canelo already beat him and the pair are now stablemates in Eddy Reynoso’s gym.
IBF champion Osleys Iglesias could pose a significant threat, as could the winner of the vacant WBO contest between Jacob Bank and Janibek Alimkhanuly. Hamzah Sheeraz, who recently vacated that belt rather than face Alimkhanuly, still wants to face Canelo, but has lost significant bargaining power.
