Teofimo Lopez is eager to see how Canelo Alvarez handles Christian Mbilli, a high-volume pressure fighter, in his first outing since undergoing elbow surgery.
The Mexican decided to go under the knife towards the end of last year, shortly after losing his super-middleweight belts via a unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford.
Back then, many expected Canelo’s physical advantages to play more of a factor, only for Crawford to move up two weight classes and become a three-division undisputed champion.
As a result of the American’s retirement, though, the WBC title at 168lbs is now held by Mbilli, who was upgraded from ‘interim’ to full champion following his 10-round draw with Lester Martinez last September.
This featured on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford, meaning that both Alvarez and Mbilli will have incurred a year of inactivity when they collide in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 12.
Speaking with Ring Magazine, Lopez suggested that, while Canelo is hardly in the thick of his prime, he should ultimately enjoy a “fun fight” against the Frenchman.
“I love this fight for Canelo. It’s a good brawl and a fun fight for Canelo. Overall, it’s a good return fight after his injuries.
“It would be good to have him get this good win, [against] a strong competitor.”
Given Mbilli’s all-action style, Alvarez may need to overcome a demanding night’s work if he is to reclaim one of his old world titles.
If he emerges victorious, the 35-year-old could then enter a unification showdown with Hamzah Sheeraz, who claimed the vacant WBO title with a second-round finish over Alem Begic last month.
