Canelo Alvarez Regains WBC Title With Unanimous Decision

Saúl "Canelo" Alvarez regained the World Boxing Council super middleweight title on Saturday by defeating Christian Mbilli via unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110 in favor of the Mexican champion. This victory marks Alvarez's first win since losing his undisputed title to Terence Crawford in September 2025. The result improves his professional record to 64 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, while Mbilli falls to 29 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.

The fight was competitive through the first half, with Mbilli using pressure to push Alvarez to the ropes. Alvarez responded with body shots and counterpunches, finding greater success starting in the sixth round. He landed a right uppercut and a right straight to take control. As the rounds progressed, Alvarez disrupted Mbilli's rhythm by forcing the French fighter to answer his punches. The referee Hector Afu deducted one point from Mbilli in the seventh round for a head hit, further complicating the challenger's task. Alvarez controlled the tenth round with his jab and closed the fight with a right hand that staggered Mbilli.

Alvarez credited his trainer Eddy Reynoso for the strategy of movement and boxing. "He asked me to do what 'Canelo' does best. And that is what I did," Alvarez said. He noted that he expected a strong opponent but felt he limited Mbilli's attack. "It is hard to throw punches at me," Alvarez emphasized. The post-fight celebration included an emotional tribute to his coaching team, Eddy and Chepo Reynoso. Alvarez, who held back tears, thanked his family and joked that his wife had told him not to return without the belt. "I won the title," he stated.

The event featured other notable results involving Mexican fighters. Jaime Mungua retained his World Boxing Association super middleweight title against Nikita Zon by unanimous decision. Mungua survived a scare in the sixth round to win with scores of 117-111, 117-111, and 116-112. His record improves to 47 wins and 2 losses. Rafael Espinoza retained his World Boxing Organization flyweight title with a technical knockout of Nicaraguan Ricardo Blandon in the third round. A straight right opened a cut above Blandon's left eye, prompting the ringside doctor to stop the fight at 1 minute and 22 seconds. Espinoza improves to an undefeated 29-0 with 25 knockouts. Reito Tsutsumi also improved to 6-0 with five knockouts after defeating Mexican Raymundo Rojas Garcia in the second round.

Alvarez did not name a specific opponent for his next bout immediately after the fight. He indicated a plan to rest and continue training. "I am going to rest. I am going to keep learning. I am going to keep working hard," he said.