Christian Mbilli has been officially elevated to full WBC super-middleweight champion, with the sanctioning body confirming the decision on Tuesday. The ruling was made during the WBC’s weekly “Martes de Café” press conference in Mexico City, upgrading Mbilli from interim titleholder to full champion at 168lbs.
The unbeaten contender welcomed the news while still awaiting confirmation of his next opponent. Mbilli said he earned the title through “hard work, discipline, and merit,” and vowed to raise his standards even further as he prepares to defend the belt and establish himself at the top of the division.
Mbilli had previously claimed the WBC interim title with a first-round knockout of former title challenger Maciej Sulecki on June 27 in Quebec City. He went on to make one defense, fighting Lester Martinez to a ten-round draw on September 13 in Las Vegas, in what was widely regarded as one of the best fights of 2025. That bout took place on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s win over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium.
Crawford’s victory that night saw him become undisputed champion at 168lbs before he later retired and vacated his titles. The WBC belt was initially stripped from Crawford due to a sanctioning fee dispute, leaving Mbilli as interim champion and ordered to negotiate a fight with Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant full title. That matchup was later canceled by WBC officials before a scheduled purse bid hearing.
With the interim status now removed, Mbilli stands as the recognized WBC champion. His promoter, Camille Estephan of Eye of the Tiger Management, described the elevation as a crowning achievement after years of challenges and sacrifices, adding that the team believes this milestone is only the beginning for the 29-year-old champion.
Image Credit: The Ring