Newly crowned WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli has made his intentions clear: he wants Canelo Alvarez next. Speaking after his elevation to full champion status, Mbilli welcomed the idea of facing the division’s biggest name as the fight that could truly establish him at the top of the 168lb class.
“It feels good,” Mbilli said of becoming world champion. “It’s cliché, but it shows that all my hard work and sacrifices paid off.” While acknowledging that some have questioned how the belt came his way, Mbilli rejected the criticism. “I’ve heard some people will say, ‘oh, but you didn’t win it in the ring,’ but that’s not true… I’ve been in the pros for almost nine years now, still unbeaten in 30 fights.”
The French-based contender admitted he would have preferred to secure the title through a decisive victory, particularly following his draw with Lester Martinez last September. Still, he insists his résumé justifies his position. “Of course, I would have loved to win it with a victory, but it doesn’t mean I don’t deserve it. I can assure you I do.”
Looking ahead, Mbilli said his ambition as champion hasn’t changed. He revealed that unification was initially the goal, with hopes that the vacant WBC belt might entice Hamzah Sheeraz into a showdown. “We were hoping the vacant WBC belt would lure Sheeraz to fight me,” he explained. “Maybe we can unify if he wins his next fight.”
Ultimately, though, Alvarez remains the benchmark. With Terence Crawford now retired, Mbilli sees Canelo as the man to beat. “As for Canelo, with Crawford’s retirement, he kind of became the top guy once again,” Mbilli said. “So I would love to fight him to show that I’m the best of the division. I want to prove it in the ring.”
Image Credit: Marca