Did Canelo Win? Yes: Canelo Álvarez Beats Christian Mbilli by Unanimous Decision to Regain WBC Title

Yes, Canelo won. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez defeated Christian Mbilli by unanimous decision on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regaining the WBC super middleweight title in his first fight in 13 months.

The judges scored it 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 for Álvarez. CBS Sports also had it 117-110. It was the first professional loss for Mbilli.

Who won Canelo vs. Mbilli?

Álvarez, 36, won all three cards after a slow start. Mbilli, 31, a Cameroon native who fights out of Montreal (AFP describes him as French), was the busier fighter early, darting in with quick combinations and getting out before Álvarez could counter. CBS Sports scored rounds 2, 3 and 4 for Mbilli.

The fight turned in the middle rounds:

• Round 6: Álvarez found his rhythm, according to both CBS Sports and AFP.
• Round 7: A big counter shot wobbled Mbilli. CBS Sports describes a counter right hand and uppercut; AFP describes a right uppercut that had Mbilli “rocking on his feet.”
• Round 8: Referee Hector Afu took a point from Mbilli for punching behind the head. CBS Sports noted Álvarez’s complaints may have influenced the call.
• Rounds 9-12: Álvarez controlled the fight with his jab and counters, and a right hand late in the 12th visibly wobbled Mbilli again.

Álvarez outlanded Mbilli 158 to 117 in total punches, per CBS Sports.

What Canelo said after the fight

Álvarez was unusually emotional. “It’s so difficult to explain. It’s something unbelievable,” he said, per CBS Sports. “This feels like my first title. Now, after 21 years as a professional, 16 years ago I won my first title and now I won that title again.”

He credited trainer Eddy Reynoso and manager José “Chepo” Reynoso, and said his corner’s instructions were simple: box, keep the jab and “do what Canelo do.”

On what’s next, he said: “I’m going to rest. I’m going to keep learning and working hard. Right now, I’m going to take a couple weeks off and then come back.” No next opponent was announced in the reports reviewed here.

Why this win matters

This was Álvarez’s first fight since losing his undisputed super middleweight titles to Terence Crawford in September 2025, and his first since elbow surgery, per CBS Sports. Critics had questioned how much drive he had left 21 years into his pro career. The performance, CBS Sports wrote, looked like “the Mexican superstar of old.”

AFP reported that the card went ahead despite the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, which has led to other sporting events being called off. Álvarez thanked his family “who are watching me from afar today for the first time.”

Canelo record and Mbilli record

• Canelo Álvarez: 64-3-2, 39 KOs (per CBS Sports)
• Christian Mbilli: 29-1-1, 24 KOs (per CBS Sports)

Mbilli’s draw came in his 2025 war with Lester Martinez on the Crawford-Álvarez undercard, a fight CBS Sports called one of the best of that year.

Canelo vs. Mbilli fight card results

Munguia survived a wild sixth round in which he appeared close to being stopped before taking over down the stretch, per CBS Sports.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: What Time Is the Canelo Fight? Canelo Álvarez vs. Christian Mbilli Start Time, Ring Walks and How to Watch (Oct 31)