Former world champion Canelo Alvarez is set to fight newly crowned WBC super-middleweight title-holder Christian Mbilli this autumn, Top Rank president Todd duBoef confirmed. The bout would mark Canelo's first fight since his disappointing defeat to Terence Crawford last September, which ended his reign as undisputed super-middleweight champion.

Mbilli was elevated to WBC champion after Crawford retired and has been pursuing a fight with one of boxing's biggest stars. The undefeated French-Canadian brings explosive power and an aggressive style that could suit Canelo's counterpunching strengths. "Canelo needs a guy that's going to come to him - that's where he really excels," duBoef told Sky Sports. "That's an excellent stylistic fight."

The fight is being targeted for the fall, with The Ring reporting it could headline a Riyadh Season event in Saudi Arabia on September 12. Neither the date nor location has been officially confirmed, though duBoef noted discussions are underway with Mbilli's Canadian promoters Eye of the Tiger.