Canelo Alvarez has officially announced his return to the ring, as he will challenge WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli on September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Canelo has not fought since September 2025, when he lost his undisputed super middleweight crown to Terence Crawford. Now, the Mexican star will look to win back one of the belts in his first fight since that defeat.
“After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same: to challenge myself, represent Mexico, and continue building my legacy,” Canelo said.
Mbilli became interim WBC champion by defeating Maciej Sulecki in June 2025, then retained the belt after a draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo vs. Crawford undercard. He was later elevated to full champion after Crawford retired.
The unbeaten champion promised a huge night in Riyadh. “My last fight was the fight of the year,” Mbilli said. “In September, against Canelo Alvarez, it will be the fight of the decade.”
The bout will headline a card titled Mexico vs. the World, with undercard details expected to be announced at next week’s launch press conference in Egypt.
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