Canelo Álvarez v Christian Mbilli: WBC super-middleweight championship – live buildup

Álvarez challenges for Mbilli’s 168lb title in RiyadhMexican star fights for first time since Crawford lossReach out to Bryan on Bluesky or by emailWhile we wait (and wait, and wait) for the final undercard bout, a few choice quotes from Thursday’s final press conference in Riyadh, where Álvarez and Mbilli struck contrasting notes ahead of tonight’s WBC super-middleweight title fight.For Álvarez, who is for the first time since 2022 after losing his undisputed championship to Terence Crawford last year, the message was one of unfinished business. Continue reading…

Jaime Munguía is (finally) in the ring for the final preliminary bout of the night, defending his World Boxing Association super-middleweight title against unbeaten Russian challenger Nikita Zon. The 30-year-old Mexican (46-2, 35 KOs) claimed the belt with a unanimous-decision victory over Armando Resendiz in May and now makes his first defense against Zon (12-0-1, 10 KOs), who is fighting outside his native Russia for the first time. Munguía, who lost to Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision in May 2024, will be looking to make a statement ahead of his compatriot’s appearance in the main event.

The winner could move into position for a 168lb unification fight with whoever emerges victorious between Álvarez and Christian Mbilli later tonight. While we wait (and wait, and wait) for the final undercard bout, a few choice quotes from Thursday’s final press conference in Riyadh, where Álvarez and Mbilli struck contrasting notes ahead of tonight’s WBC super-middleweight title fight. For Álvarez, who is for the first time since 2022 after losing his undisputed