CHRISTIAN MBILLI FACES CANELO ALVAREZ IN RIYADH

Christian Mbilli is due to face Canelo Alvarez in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday in a WBC title bout. The stated weight divisions for the title differ, with both super-welterweight and super-middleweight given. Mbilli, who was born in Cameroon and represents France, enters with a reported 24 knockouts in 30 fights. Alvarez returns after losing to Terence Crawford last year. Crawford has since retired.

Mbilli won the WBC interim title by stopping Maciej Sulecki in the first round in Quebec City last year. He then fought Lester Martinez before arranging the Alvarez contest. Alvarez previously beat Edgar Berlanga, Jermell Charlo and Jaime Munguia on points. His reported career record stands at 63 wins, three defeats and two draws, including 39 knockouts. Organisers have cancelled one undercard bout amid security alerts in the Middle East.

Mbilli said he would press Alvarez throughout the fight: “I will bring a mixture of pressure and hunger.” He said Charlo, Berlanga and Munguia had focused on lasting 12 rounds against Alvarez. Promoter Bob Arum backed Mbilli to win, saying: “I think it’s the end of the road for Canelo.” Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi also predicted a Mbilli victory, citing the pace he expects Mbilli to set. Trainer Teddy Atlas said Mbilli could wear Alvarez down with body attacks late in the fight.