By Felix Jesus Mendoza
The international boxing scene in the super middleweight category is preparing to a possible change of command on September 12. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez outlines his return to the ring with the goal of recovering one of the crowns who lost in their last match against Terence Crawford.
After the fragmentation of the world titles after the American’s retirement, the Mexican fighter seeks position again at the top of the division.
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Currently, the World Boxing Council (CMB) has designated Christian Mbilli as its absolute champion, after stripping Terence Crawford of the belt days before his departure from professionalism.
The reports indicate that The negotiations point to a confrontation between the Frenchman and the Guadalajara in Saudi Arabia. Although the final venue depends on the geopolitical stability of the region, the intention of both promoters is to finalize the fight by the end of the third quarter of the year.
Ima stammer this and lunge away it along because to just a few of yall it doesn’t subject what I invent yall like minded abhor. When I became combating no one became fucking with me. It’s a cause I became blackballed and simple came out on top. Loyal mf know and the ones that didn’t stumble on out.✌🏿
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) March 31, 2026
The support of a former rival
Despite the sporting rivalry they starred in in September 2025, Terence Crawford expressed confidence in the recovery capacity of the Jalisco boxer. When asked by a follower on platform X about the future of the division, the former undefeated champion was forceful in his prediction. “We’ll see. But I have Canelo,” wrote the Nebraska native, giving his vote of confidence to the Mexican to capture the WBC title.
This comment by Terence Crawford becomes relevant given that it was he who ended Álvarez’s undefeated weight at 168 pounds.
The American’s position suggests that, despite his 35 years, the veteran Mexican fighter retains the necessary tools to overcome the new faces of the category. Meanwhile, Christian Mbilli and his team await the official order from the organization to begin the formal preparation of the camp.
The clear path to the title
Christian Mbilli’s situation has recently been clarified thanks to the guidelines sent by the WBC. Marc Ramsay, coach of the former monarch, confirmed that The priority is to face the number one in the ranking, the position occupied by Álvarez. With the order that the interim champion, Lester Martínez, defend his own belt in another commitmentthe obstacle of an immediate mandatory rematch for the Frenchman is eliminated.
If the fight takes place, Saúl Álvarez would have the opportunity to become world champion again in a very short period of time after his last defeat. Terence Crawford’s vision reinforces the idea that the legacy of the man from Guadalajara has not yet ended and that his experience will be a determining factor for Mbilli’s youth.
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