Canelo and Mbilli make weight for WBC world title fight in Riyadh

Boxers Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli both made the weight on Friday ahead of their WBC (World Boxing Council) super-middleweight world championship fight, scheduled for Saturday in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Alvarez weighed in at 167.6lb and Mbilli at 167.8lb. Canelo is seeking to regain one of the world titles he previously held, in his first bout since his surprise defeat by Terence Crawford last year.

How the title became available

When Crawford retired, the four major super-middleweight world titles were left vacant, and Mbilli became the WBC champion. Alvarez chose to face him directly rather than take an easier opponent after the loss.

What the fighters said

"I'm the challenger now, but in my mind I've always been the champion, ever since I was a little kid," Canelo said. He added that he does not believe in shortcuts and wants to face the best in order to become world champion again: "Mbilli is the world champion."

Mbilli, who is unbeaten with a single draw in a 30-fight professional career, said he respects Canelo and his achievements, but that things will be different inside the ring. "I'm ready to shock the world," he said.

Security backdrop

The event is going ahead amid escalating conflict in the region. Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi airports, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, and security concerns have led to other sporting events in the kingdom being postponed or cancelled.

A view on Canelo's legacy

Matthew Hatton, who fought Canelo in 2011 in the Mexican's first world title bout, told the Toe2Toe podcast that he believes Canelo still has enough left to beat Mbilli. However, he said a defeat would tarnish Canelo's legacy slightly, and he would personally like to see the boxer retire.