Boxing: Christian Mbilli defiant against Canelo Álvarez but loses unbeaten record
Christian Mbilli suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Canelo Álvarez. Facing the Mexican in Riyadh, the Frenchman put up a brave fight but could not stop his opponent from reclaiming the WBC super-middleweight world title.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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He dreamed of toppling one of the biggest names in world boxing. In the end, Christian Mbilli came up against the experience of Canelo Álvarez. In a eagerly awaited fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman held his own against the Mexican before losing a unanimous decision (115-112, 116-111, 117-110).
Canelo's experience tells
Determined to set the tempo, Mbilli came out firing in the opening rounds. Moving forward constantly and looking to pile up combinations, the Frenchman tried to disrupt the Mexican's rhythm. His work rate allowed him to compete in the early exchanges.
But Canelo Álvarez gradually took the measure of his opponent. From the fifth round, the Mexican made greater use of his technical mastery, mobility and precision. His movement and slipping let him control the distance better while landing cleaner shots. A powerful left in the sixth round, followed by a right uppercut in the seventh, marked a turning point in the fight.
Mbilli never gives up
Despite his opponent's growing dominance, the Frenchman never abandoned his game plan. Even when physically tested, he kept looking for an opening and trying to turn the tide. His left and right hooks in the tenth round were a clear sign of his determination.
He did, however, have a point deducted in the eighth round for a blow to the back of the head. The penalty further complicated his position on the judges' scorecards.
Mbilli kept coming right to the final bell, never close to being stopped. His courage was not enough, though, against an opponent more experienced at managing the decisive moments.
Canelo back on top
The win allows Canelo Álvarez to take back the WBC super-middleweight world title, a year after his defeat by Terence Crawford. At 36, the Mexican confirms he remains a major force in his division, despite boxing with less explosiveness than in his best years.
For Christian Mbilli, this first professional defeat is a blemish on his record, but not necessarily a setback to his progress. Against a champion of that stature, the Frenchman showed he could compete at this level. He must now learn the lessons of the fight to continue his climb up the world super-middleweight rankings.