David Benavidez’s harsh criticism of the upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding its appeal to boxing fans. The match is scheduled for September 12, 2026, in Riyadh, where they will compete for the WBC super-middleweight title.
Mbilli, who boasts an impressive record of 29 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, became the full WBC super-middleweight champion in January 2026 after winning the interim title in June 2025. In contrast, Alvarez, with a record of 63 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, has not fought since his loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025.
Benavidez did not hold back his thoughts on this matchup, stating bluntly, “Nobody wants to see that sh*t.” He suggested that Alvarez might have been better off fighting Diego Pacheco instead. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the boxing community about whether this fight can generate genuine excitement.
This context matters because Canelo typically fights during significant events—like Mexican Independence Day weekend—aiming to attract large crowds. His last fight drew an impressive attendance of 70,000 fans. However, with his recent surgery on his left elbow following the loss to Crawford, questions arise about his readiness and ability to reclaim his former glory.
The upcoming bout not only pits two fighters against each other but also represents a clash of styles and records. While Mbilli stands at 5ft 8½in with a reach of 72 inches, Alvarez brings years of experience and knockout power—boasting 39 knockout wins. This dynamic could lead to an intriguing contest.
As boxing fans await this showdown, many are curious about how it will unfold. Will it live up to expectations? Observers expect that despite criticisms, the event could still draw significant attention due to Canelo’s star power and Mbilli’s rising status in the sport.