Turki Al-Alshikh moves the pieces and leaves an image that shakes boxing: Canelo Álvarez and Christian Mbilli, face to face. September now has a date, and the title is on the line.
Turki Al-Alshikh moves the board and sends a direct message
Boxing lives on gestures, symbols, and silences that speak louder than any official statement. And Turki Al-Alshikh understands that better than anyone. During the 2025 The Ring Awards, the Saudi promoter delivered a hint that did not go unnoticed: he brought Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez together with Christian Mbilli in front of the cameras, embraced them… and then stepped aside.
The scene was brief but loaded with intention. In a video shared on his social media, Turki is seen posing with both fighters before moving away and allowing Canelo and Mbilli to face each other, exchange greetings, and part with a hug. There were no words, no formal announcement. But the message was clear: the fight is a real possibility.
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According to what Turki himself stated days earlier, Canelo Álvarez will fight for a world title next September 12, a historic date for Mexican boxing. And Mbilli’s name is starting to gain serious traction.
Canelo’s return and a title on the line
After losing his undisputed super middleweight status following his defeat to Terence Crawford last September 13, Canelo Álvarez entered a rebuilding phase. He underwent surgery on his left elbow and ruled out his traditional May return, prioritizing a full recovery.
Just a few days ago, Canelo himself confirmed that he will return to the ring in September — and that it will be for a world title. In that context, Christian Mbilli, recently elevated to full WBC champion at 168 pounds, emerges as a natural… and dangerous option.
According to those close to the international boxing scene, the WBC belt currently held by Mbilli represents one of the most direct paths for Canelo to reclaim a crown he once dominated. And the timing does not appear to be accidental.
Mbilli, the uncomfortable challenger who already heated things up
Beyond Turki’s gesture, Christian Mbilli had already added fuel to the fire. The French fighter, nicknamed “The Assassin Panther,” made waves with comments suggesting that Canelo is “no longer the same fighter” he was five or ten years ago.
Although no verbal exchange can be seen in the video, the image speaks for itself. Mbilli is young, strong, a reigning champion, and hungry. Canelo, on the other hand, represents experience, legacy, and the need to reassert himself after a major setback in his career.