Canelo’s world champion opponent confirmed for comeback fight: “Done deal”

Canelo Alvarez‘s opponent for his return to the ring has been revealed.

Canelo was last in action in September when he suffered an upset defeat to Terence Crawford at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, losing his undisputed super-middleweight crown in the process.

Crawford retired shortly after the bout, meaning the world titles were fragmented, as different fighters began to get their hands on the belts.

It was announced earlier this year that Alvarez was scheduled to return to action this September, and it has now been announced that he will get the opportunity to face one of those newly-crowned world champion.

According to The Ring, Canelo is set to challenge WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli.

“BREAKING: Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli have a done deal to fight in September in Riyadh for the WBC super middleweight championship, @ringmagazine has learned. Canelo heads into a major fight in his first fight since his loss to Terence Crawford. What an action fight!”

Unbeaten star Mbilli was previously the WBC interim super-middleweight champion, with his last two fights seeing him claim a first round stoppage win over Maciej Sulecki in June 2025 before a draw against Lester Martinez three months later.

Despite that draw, he was later elevated from interim status to full WBC champion, and had made it clear over recent weeks that he was keen to land the showdown with Canelo.

Mbilli will now get his wish, as two of the best 168lb fighters prepare to collide later this year.