Canelo reclaims WBC super middleweight title with unanimous decision over Mbilli in Riyadh

Mexico's Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez reclaimed the WBC super middleweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Christian Mbilli at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The judges scored the 12-round contest 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112.

From a tight start to total control

It was the 36-year-old's first fight since losing to Terence Crawford in September 2025, a defeat followed by arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow and a 13-month layoff. The opening six rounds were competitive, with Mbilli's pressure and punch volume troubling Alvarez, but the Mexican took over from the seventh, rocking the Frenchman with a right uppercut.

Round eight proved the turning point: after repeated warnings, the referee deducted a point from Mbilli for punches to the back of Alvarez's head. Alvarez then controlled the closing rounds behind his jab and a right hook wrapped around Mbilli's guard. CompuBox figures credited Alvarez with 132 power punches to Mbilli's 99.

An unbeaten run ends, a title changes hands

The defeat was the first of Mbilli's professional career, ending his unbeaten run. Alvarez improved his record to 64 wins, three defeats and two draws, with 39 knockouts, and returned to world-champion status for the first time since losing his undisputed super middleweight belts.

The bout headlined the 'Mexico vs. The World' showcase. On the undercard, Jaime Munguia and Rafael Espinoza both defended their world titles as Team World edged Team Mexico 5-4 overall. Alvarez did not name his next opponent, saying only that he would return to training after a short break.

Sources: DAZN, Hypebeast, Boxing News, 1 November 2026.