Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez set to fight for world title on Sept. 12 in Riyadh

Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez’s (63-3-2, 39 KOs) next fight has been formally announced.

The Mexican boxer will face WBC super middleweight world champion Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) according to a press release sent out on Saturday. Their bout will headline a Sept. 12 Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia. The press release did not mention where exactly in Riyadh the fight would take place nor its broadcaster.

A press conference featuring both fighters has been scheduled for May 23 in Cairo, Egypt. Later that day, Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC heavyweight world title against Rico Verhoeven.

Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and Christian Mbilli speak on their upcoming clash

“After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same: to challenge myself, represent México, and continue building my legacy,” said Álvarez in the press release. “Mbilli is undefeated, and a great fighter, and I respect that. But my focus is always on my preparation, performance, and giving the fans another great night of boxing. On Sept. 12 in Riyadh, we begin a new chapter with the same discipline, ambition, and vision that has carried me throughout my career.”

“My last fight was the fight of the year,” said Mbilli in the same press release. “In September, against Canelo Álvarez, it will be the fight of the decade. And when the fight is over, the world will witness a historic victory for me.”

First fight for both in 2026

Neither man has fought since appearing on the same card in Sept. last year. That event saw Álvarez lose his status as the undisputed super middleweight world champion to Terence Crawford. Mbilli, on the other hand, drew against Lester Martínez in a defence of his interim WBC world title. He has since been promoted to full titlist due to the retirement of Crawford and will defend the WBC belt for the first time against Álvarez.

Details such as full fight card, venue, and more can be expected in the coming weeks and months.