Canelo Alvarez will challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh on 31 October 2026. Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi has tipped Mbilli to win, citing the Frenchman’s high work rate as the decisive factor.
The world title clash was originally scheduled for September before Alvarez postponed the bout due to family matters. Alvarez enters the ring following his unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford last September, which cost him his undisputed crown at 168 pounds. Crawford subsequently retired in December and vacated his four titles, allowing Mbilli to be promoted from interim to full WBC champion. Mbilli earned that position after fighting to a 10-round draw against Lester Martinez on the Crawford-Alvarez undercard, demonstrating a high-volume punching style that could trouble the 36-year-old Mexican.
Despite Alvarez entering as the bookmakers’ favourite, Malignaggi believes the champion’s relentless pressure will prove overwhelming. Speaking to FightHype, Malignaggi stated: “I don’t think he’s going to beat Mbilli, because I think Mbilli brings too much of a pace and one thing Canelo hates is a [high] pace.” The former two-weight champion expressed concern over what an Alvarez victory might mean for the division, adding: “God forbid he beats Mbilli, he’ll trap that [WBC] belt again. [He won’t] give any of the good fighters a shot at it.”
Alvarez showed glimpses of his former self against Crawford. Still, questions remain about his endurance over 12 rounds against a younger champion.
Malignaggi argued that the veteran should step aside to allow fresh contenders to compete for world honours, saying: “You’ve just gotta move on, dude. You had your career – it was a good career, congratulations – now get the hell out of here.” He highlighted the recent activity across the weight class, noting: “Look how the super-middleweight division has blossomed since this guy got beat [by Crawford].”
With Hamzah Sheeraz holding the WBO title, Osleys Iglesias claiming the IBF belt, and Jaime Munguia wearing the WBA crown, the 168-pound category features several active champions. A win for Mbilli in Saudi Arabia would solidify his status at the top, whereas an Alvarez victory could once again consolidate power around the veteran ring icon.
