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Canelo to Face Mbilli in Riyadh for Super-Middleweight Title

5/3/2026

Summary

Álvarez Title Fight

Saudi Arabia will host Canelo Álvarez vs Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh on September 12, 2026.
Álvarez, who lost to Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025, and Mbilli, the 29-0-1 interim champion promoted to full champion in January 2026, will meet in Álvarez’s 69th bout to try to regain a world title.
Trainer Eddy Reynoso confirmed the fight, while Mike Coppinger said a verbal agreement exists despite Mbilli’s side not yet signing paperwork.

Summary

Alalshikh Urges Crawford

Turki Alalshikh urged retired champion Terence Crawford to fight Canelo Alvarez again, proposing a fourth undisputed title.
Terence Crawford announced his 2025 retirement after a perfect 42-0 record and a decisive win over Canelo Alvarez at 168 lb.
Turki Alalshikh disclosed a lucrative offer, stating that Terence Crawford said no amount of money would change his mind.
Terence Crawford has not responded to Turki Alalshikh’s invitation to return to the ring.

History

Historical Context

In December 2023 Saudi Arabia staged a heavyweight title bout between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. in Jeddah, continuing a pattern that began with Joshua’s loss to Ruiz at Diriyah in 2019, where Ruiz was a 25-1 underdog. Backed by the Saudi General Sports Authority, the event signals Riyadh’s broader push to host marquee fights, exemplified by the scheduled Canelo Álvarez vs Christian Mbilli clash for September 12 2026.

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Álvarez Title Fight

Saudi Arabia will host Canelo Álvarez vs Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh on September 12, 2026.
Álvarez, who lost to Terence Crawford on September 13, 2025, and Mbilli, the 29-0-1 interim champion promoted to full champion in January 2026, will meet in Álvarez’s 69th bout to try to regain a world title.
Trainer Eddy Reynoso confirmed the fight, while Mike Coppinger said a verbal agreement exists despite Mbilli’s side not yet signing paperwork.

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