Mbilli vs Alvarez: Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez reclaims world title with vintage performance
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh. The event proceeded despite security concerns regarding missile activity in the region.
Why it matters
The fight highlights the intersection of high-profile international sports and geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is a four-weight world champion
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight title with a vintage performance against Christian Mbilli in Riyadh.
Just over one year since losing his belts to Terance Crawford, Mexican pound-for-pound great Alvarez returned to action with a confident victory by unanimous decision.
The 36-year-old, in his 69th professional fight, showed trademark slick defence and counter punching as he outclassed Mbilli to win 115–112, 116–111, 117–110 on the judges' scorecards.
It was the 64th victory of four-weight world champion Alvarez's illustrious career, while 31-year-old Mbilli suffered his first defeat in 31 bouts.
"It's so difficult to explain," said Alvarez.
"It's something unbelievable, this feeling. Like my first title. Thirty-one years as a professional. Sixteen years ago, I won my first title. Now, I won the title again. I'm so proud."
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Canelo Álvarez wins back world title as Houthi attacks cast shadow over Riyadh
Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli results, highlights for Canelo win
'Phenomenal:' Jake Paul, Terence Crawford and more react to Canelo Alvarez's vintage win over Christian Mbilli
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