Canelo Alvarez defeats Christian Mbilli to reclaim WBC world title in Riyadh

Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night.

The Mexican superstar returned to winning ways at Riyadh Season's 'Mexico vs. The World' event, earning scores of 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 to hand Mbilli the first defeat of his professional career.

Competing for the first time since losing his undisputed championship to Terence Crawford in September 2025, Canelo faced a determined challenge from the previously unbeaten French-Cameroonian.

Mbilli looked to impose his aggressive style throughout the contest, pressing forward and attempting to overwhelm the former champion with his work rate.

However, Canelo's experience and accuracy proved decisive as he repeatedly found openings with counter punches and body shots.

A sharp uppercut in the seventh round briefly staggered Mbilli, with the Mexican continuing to land the cleaner punches as the fight progressed.

After 12 rounds, all three judges awarded Canelo the victory, returning the 36-year-old to world championship status and improving his professional record to 64-3-2.

Jaime Munguia successfully defended his WBA super-middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Russia's Nikita Zon.

Munguia was tested during an entertaining contest, particularly in the sixth round when Zon hurt the Mexican champion before both fighters exchanged heavy punches.

Despite the difficult moments, Munguia did enough across the 12 rounds to retain his title, winning by scores of 116-112 and 117-111 twice.

Elsewhere, Rafael Espinoza retained his WBO featherweight championship after his contest against Ricardo Blandon was stopped in the third round.

The Mexican champion opened a cut around Blandon's eye with a right hand, prompting the ringside doctor to halt the fight.

Japan's Reito Tsutsumi also recorded an impressive victory, stopping Raymundo Rojas in the second round of their super-featherweight contest.

Filipino contender Carl Jammes Martin produced one of the undercard's notable results, defeating David Picasso by split decision.

Kazakhstan's Bek Nurmaganbet also caught the attention with a first-round knockout victory over Marcos Vazquez.

Canelo Alvarez def. Christian Mbilli via unanimous decision (115-112, 116-111, 117-110) – WBC super-middleweight world title

Jaime Munguia def. Nikita Zon via unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 117-111) – WBA super-middleweight world title

Rafael Espinoza def. Ricardo Blandon via TKO, round 3 – WBO featherweight world title

Reito Tsutsumi def. Raymundo Rojas via TKO, round 2

Carl Jammes Martin def. David Picasso via split decision

Sultan Almohammed def. Erik Villegas via unanimous decision

Bek Nurmaganbet def. Marcos Vazquez via KO, round 1

Carlos Emiliano Rojo Vazquez def. Flavius Biea via stoppage

Brayan Leon def. Hector Octavio Aguirre via unanimous decision

Canelo's victory marks his return to the top of the WBC super-middleweight rankings, with the Mexican once again holding a world championship following his defeat to Crawford last year.