Promoter Bob Arum has claimed Canelo Alvarez is past his prime and should retire from boxing. Arum is backing his fighter, Christian Mbilli, to defeat the former undisputed champion when they meet for the WBC super middleweight title in October.
Arum, who co-promotes the unbeaten Mbilli, gave a direct assessment of the 35-year-old Mexican star. “Alvarez belongs on the golf course, not in the ring,” Arum said in an interview. He added a definitive conclusion on Alvarez’s current standing in the sport. “I think Alvarez is finished.”
The comments add significant weight to a growing narrative questioning Canelo’s form. His last performance was a points loss to Terence Crawford in September, where he lost his undisputed super middleweight championship. In that bout, Canelo’s output was limited and he appeared to slow in the later rounds, while Crawford used a disciplined, conservative approach to secure the win.
Arum made his allegiance clear for the upcoming title defence. “I like Mbilli in the fight,” said Arum. While his position is influenced by his business relationship with the champion, it reflects a belief that Mbilli has the tools to overcome a diminished version of Canelo.
Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) fought to a split draw with Lester Martinez on the same night Canelo lost to Crawford. That contest provided more consistent action than the main event, showcasing Mbilli’s durability and work rate. For Canelo (63-3-2, 39 KOs), the October fight is a critical moment to prove he remains an elite force. A victory for Mbilli would validate Arum’s blunt appraisal and potentially mark the end of an era for one of boxing’s biggest names.
