Canelo targets WBC super-middleweight title against Mbilli in 2026

The 168-pound WBC super-middleweight championship will be at stake when Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez faces Christian Mbilli on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Álvarez is preparing for the bout with the aim of reclaiming the title he previously held and defended successfully nine times.

Mbilli enters the contest as the undefeated WBC super-middleweight champion. The French boxer was elevated from interim champion to the organisation’s undisputed holder and will make his first defence of the full title against Álvarez.

The fight was initially scheduled for September 12 but was moved after personal matters affecting Álvarez delayed the start of his training camp. He is now carrying out an intensive preparation programme ahead of the rescheduled date in Riyadh.

Both boxers have been inactive since September 2025. Their return will therefore come after more than a year away from competition, with the WBC’s full championship adding significance to the bout for each fighter.

For Álvarez, the contest offers a route back to the top of a division closely associated with his career. The Mexican has represented the WBC for more than 13 years and has won major honours across the super-welterweight, middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.

His current camp is focused on reaching the required physical and tactical level for the challenge against Mbilli. The Mexican’s objective is to regain the WBC super-middleweight crown, while Mbilli will attempt to establish his reign by retaining the title in his first defence.