Canelo Alvarez said at the final press conference for his 31 October title challenge in Riyadh that he wanted to face champion Christian Mbilli rather than take a shortcut. The Ring reported his remarks, while DAZN confirms the scheduled fight date and location.
Alvarez speaks as the challenger
Alvarez told The Ring's reporter at the press conference: “I don’t believe in shortcuts.” The former super middleweight champion said his experience made him want to regain a world title by facing the best. Mbilli holds the WBC belt that Alvarez is trying to reclaim.
Alvarez also acknowledged the change in position. The Ring quotes him saying he is ready to enter Saturday's bout as the challenger, even though he has long thought of himself as a champion. His words put the emphasis on a title he must win in the ring, rather than one he already owns.
Mbilli described his own preparation as complete. The Ring reported that he respected Alvarez's career but intended to win when they met. Neither boxer claimed a result had already been secured; their remarks were made before the scheduled contest.
DAZN's current main-card listing places Alvarez against Mbilli above Jaime Munguia versus Nikita Zon and Rafael Espinoza versus Ricardo Blandon. The broadcaster lists the headline contest for Riyadh, with the other pairings forming part of the same programme. Its listing is a schedule, not a report of completed bouts.
The title and the previous announcement
The Ring's prior announcement for this bout listed Mbilli as the WBC super middleweight champion, with Alvarez as his challenger. They last stepped in the ring on the same card. Alvarez, of course, lost to Terence Crawford. Mbilli's fight ended in a split draw against Lester Martinez, which kept him undefeated. By the time of the latest presser, Mbilli was champion and Alvarez was the challenger. SportsRivo reviewed The Ring's initial story as well as its latest report. The former established the Alvarez-Mbilli bout and Mbilli's championship status. The latter added Alvarez's rationale for taking on Mbilli as his route back to a world title.
What the fight can settle
- An Alvarez victory would return the WBC super middleweight title to him after his defeat by Crawford. The Ring says he is seeking another reign in the division, but the result remains open.
- A successful Mbilli defence would preserve his WBC title and prevent the comeback Alvarez described. The Ring identifies Mbilli as the current champion and reports his intention to win.
- The result will settle the headline title fight, while DAZN lists Munguia–Zon and Espinoza–Blandon as separate scheduled contests on the card.
The confirmed next step
DAZN lists Alvarez versus Mbilli for Saturday, 31 October in Riyadh. The fighters must still complete the scheduled bout before either can claim its result.
Source: The Ring