Canelo Alvarez’s Return to the Ring
In September, Canelo Alvarez will aim to reclaim his status as a super middleweight champion during his much-anticipated return to the boxing ring. Currently ranked as the 10th best pound-for-pound fighter by Uncrowned, Alvarez has been out of competition since losing his undisputed 168-pound title to Terence Crawford last September in a highly publicized clash streamed on Netflix, which took place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Recovery and Future Plans
Following his defeat, Alvarez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow in October, necessitating a significant recovery period of 12 to 15 weeks before he could resume full training. This led him to skip his traditional May fight, opting instead to prioritize his recovery. Earlier this year, it was made clear that upon his return, Alvarez would vie for a super middleweight title, as Crawford had vacated all his belts upon retiring after their fight.
Upcoming Championship Fight
Recent announcements have confirmed that Alvarez will face Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight championship in a match scheduled for September in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight is anticipated to headline a card showcasing a Mexico vs. the World theme, organized by Turki Alalshikh.
Mike Coppinger from Ring Magazine was the first to report on this matchup.
Mbilli, who holds a professional record of 29 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw (with 24 knockouts), secured the WBC interim super middleweight title last June after defeating Maciej Sulęcki by TKO in the first round. He then successfully defended his title in a controversial Fight of the Year candidate against Lester Martinez, which ended in a draw, while he was subsequently elevated to full champion status after Crawford’s retirement.
Alvarez’s Legacy
Canelo Alvarez, boasting a record of 63 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws (with 39 knockouts), is on a quest to rebound following the third defeat of his illustrious career. A four-division champion, Alvarez is still regarded as one of the preeminent figures in professional boxing, with his upcoming fight drawing significant attention.
