Canelo Alvarez signs to fight hard-hitting world champion in first bout since Terence Crawford loss

Apr 30, 2026 - 21:45

Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli have reportedly signed a deal to face each other in September.

It marks Alvarez’s first outing since dropping his undisputed super middleweight titles to Terence Crawford on points last September.

Terence Crawford punches Canelo during their 'Fight of the Century' at Allegiant Stadium — Canelo has been out of action since his defeat to Crawford last September

He now has to chance pick up one of his old belts against Mbilli, who was elevated from interim to full WBC champion earlier this year after Crawford was stripped of the green and gold strap.

According to Ring Magazine, the pair will headline a ‘Mexico vs the World’ event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

While the report did not explicitly mention a date, it is understood that the bout is being lined up for September 12, to commemorate Mexican Independence Day weekend.

Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) boxed to a split draw with Lester Martinez on the Alvarez vs Crawford undercard.

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