Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli both made weight on Saturday for their WBC super-middleweight world title fight in Riyadh. Canelo weighed 167.6lb, while Mbilli was a fraction heavier at 167.8lb.
Alvarez is looking to win back one of the world titles he once held, in his first fight since his stunning loss to Terence Crawford last year. When Crawford retired, he left the four major world championships vacant, and Mbilli became the WBC titlist. "I'm the challenger now, but in my mind I've always been the champion, ever since I was a little kid," Canelo said. He chose to face Mbilli, a high-calibre, tough, aggressive fighter, right after that defeat. "I don't believe in shortcuts. I want to become a world champion again, and that's why I want to face the best," he added.
Mbilli, unbeaten with only one draw in his 30-fight professional career, said: "I have a lot of respect for Canelo and his career... But inside the ring, it will be a different story, and I'm coming to win. I'm ready to shock the world."
The event is going ahead amid escalating conflict in the region. Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi airports, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, and security concerns have led to the postponement or cancellation of other sporting events in the kingdom. Former opponent Matthew Hatton, who boxed Canelo in 2011, believes the fight could affect Canelo's legacy. "I do think he's still got enough left to beat Mbilli," Hatton said, but added that a loss would tarnish the Mexican star's reputation.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing