Overview
- The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reported Thursday that Álvarez and Mbilli have a done deal to fight in September in Riyadh, expected to top a Saudi “Mexico vs the World” card.
- Mbilli, elevated to full WBC super middleweight champion in January, brings a 29-0-1 record with 24 knockouts after a draw with Lester Martínez on the Canelo–Crawford undercard.
- Álvarez has not fought since losing a unanimous decision to Crawford on Sept. 13, 2025, and he skipped his usual May date after arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow.
- Crawford remains retired at 42-0, though Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh urged him to return and trainer Eddy Reynoso said Team Canelo would entertain a rematch if he did.
- A win over Mbilli would restore one major belt for Álvarez, while the other titles at 168 pounds sit with Jose Armando Resendiz (WBA) and Osleys Iglesias (IBF) as the WBO strap is slated for Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic.