Christian Mbilli Intensifies Training for Canelo Bout in 2026

Christian Mbilli has stepped up his training ahead of his biggest professional test against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. The undefeated WBC super middleweight champion will meet the Mexican star on October 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight was initially scheduled for September before being moved to October. The undisputed WBC world title at 168 pounds will be at stake, giving Mbilli the opportunity to establish himself as the leading figure in the division.

Mbilli’s camp is built around a demanding preparation programme as he approaches the most significant bout of his career. He recognises Canelo’s experience and standing in boxing, but remains focused on entering the contest ready to challenge the Mexican’s position at the top of the weight class.

The Frenchman began collecting WBC titles in 2018. He defeated Ramón Iván Aguinaga Rivera for the WBC Youth Intercontinental middleweight championship in July that year, then added the WBC Youth World middleweight title by beating Jesús Piña Nájera in October. In October 2019, he won the WBC Francophone title against Abraham Juárez Ramírez.

Mbilli moved into the super middleweight division in September 2021 and captured the WBC Continental Americas championship with a victory over Ronny Landaeta. He retained that belt eight times, maintaining his unbeaten record while building his reputation around strong performances and finishing power.

His rise continued in June 2025, when he defeated Poland’s Maciej Sulęcki to win the WBC interim super middleweight title. Three months later, he drew with Lester Martínez in a bout described as one of the year’s best. Mbilli has since become the full WBC super middleweight champion, and his preparation now centres on the Riyadh meeting with Canelo.