By Felix Jesus Mendoza
Boxing prepares for the fight between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and the french Christian Mbilli. Faced with this scenario, the boxer Teofimo Lopez shared his perspective on what he expects from this 168-pound matchup.
The duel is scheduled for September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This date will mark the return of both fighters after a year of official inactivity in the ring.
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The analysis of the combat and the return of the Guadalajara
The Mexican fighter will enter the ring after undergoing elbow surgery late last year. This medical intervention occurred shortly after giving up his belts following a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford.
In a recent intervention for the specialized magazine Ring Journal, Teofimo Lopez evaluated the current conditions of this duel.
The boxer analyzed the challenge represented by the constant pressure style that characterizes the European boxer.
?Flash Aid When Teofimo outlined why he misplaced Shakur Stevenson.
?? “My coach used to be no longer within the staunch mind and the ref used to be in opposition to me Shakur’s used to be doing illegal issues it used to be a residence-up”
I remember they residence Teo up we for obvious want that rematch at 147 I know Teofimo would faucet? pic.twitter.com/rh3nqxQPE1
— INEVITABLE/DBLOCK??? (@AdrianReyn79551) June 1, 2026
“I love this fight for Canelo. It’s a good fight and an entertaining fight for him. Overall, it’s a good return after his injuries”declared Teofimo Lopez to the aforementioned source about the Mexican’s return to ensogado.
The status of titles in the division
Christian Mbilli comes to this commitment holding the absolute title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) in super middleweight. The Frenchman obtained this championship after Crawford’s transition to another division and after signing a 10-round draw against Lester Martínez.
For the fighter from Jalisco, overcoming the physical demands of his opponent will be decisive if he seeks to regain his position in the category. On this point, Teofimo Lopez He added to the American publication: “It would be nice to get this important victory, against a strong competitor.”
Possible unification scenarios
The result of this fight will define the immediate future at the top of the super middleweights. Teofimo Lopez He remains attentive to the level of physical response that Álvarez will show against an opponent who demands constant wear and tear.
If the Mexican manages to come out with his hand raised, the path points towards a future title unification contest. The main objective would be to face Hamzah Sheerazwho recently captured the vacant WBO title by beating Alem Begic.
Keep reading:
- Cuban Osley Iglesias believes that Canelo Álvarez is fleeing a fight with him
- Shakur Stevenson is not intimidated and accepts O’Shaquie Foster’s challenge
- Dmitry Bivol has a clear outlook in which David Benavídez stands out
