Christian Mbilli vs. Canelo press conference quotes and fight prediction

Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) will soon defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs).

Their bout headlines a Riyadh Season card at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) on DAZN. Note: This event is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment festival. The Saudi Arabian government is responsible for its organization.

Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Oct. 31 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.

Christian Mbilli vs. Canelo press conference quotes

Christian Mbilli

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Mbilli. “I can’t wait to be in the ring. I want to thank my team, my promoter, all my training partners. Now I’m ready for this fight. I’m ready to shock the world. That’s it. I have big respect for Canelo for all his career and I want to congratulate him for this, but on Saturday it’ll be a different story and I’m coming for the win.”

“We’re gonna see [how I end up knocking out Canelo]. That’s why you don’t want to miss the fight. We’re going to have a lot, a lot of big surprises.”

Canelo

“I really appreciate being here and now almost being a champion again on Saturday after 20 years as a professional,” said Canelo. “I’m glad to be here. I’m very excited. I’m very happy with all my career. It [feels] like yesterday [that my professional career began] and I want to thank Mauricio [Sulaiman, WBC president], his father give me the opportunity to win my first title. Now this opportunity, too. [Thanks to] everybody who made this happen…I’m ready for Saturday. I’m the challenger now, but guess what? Always in my mind I’m the champion since I was a little kid. So please tune in Saturday night because it’s going to be a special night. México contra el mundo [México against the world].”

“[I fight people like Mbilli] because I don’t believe in shortcuts. I go straight with the champions. I already have that experience. I’ve been a champion many years and I want to be a champion again and I want to face the best. He’s a champion and that’s it.”

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Prediction courtesy of Ricky Carroll: It remains to be seen whether this card actually goes ahead. It’s staggering that it’s still scheduled, considering the recent attacks in Riyadh and the numerous events over the next few weeks and months that have been subsequently cancelled. Dan Rafael is reporting that the Lindolfo Delgado vs. Arthur Biyarslanov will “probably not” happen. 

Looking at the main event, should it happen, it’s an intriguing match-up. The main question for many, is how much Canelo has left, which will be answered on Oct. 31. In his prime, elite head movement, sharp counterpunching and excellent body punching were what made him a great fighter.

Mbilli is an entertaining come-forward, throw-at-high-volume fighter, and will look to pressure Canelo and not let him settle. If the Mexican has enough of his old head movement left, he will make Mbilli miss and punish the Cameroonian-born fighter. We are backing Canelo to have enough of his old magic left and win by decision.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of DAZN.

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Featured image credit

Mark Robinson