Canelo Alvarez, at 36 years old, secured a unanimous decision victory over Christian Mbilli on Saturday, recapturing the WBC super middleweight title. This wasn’t just another win for the veteran. It was a statement, drawing praise from across the boxing world, including from Jake Paul and Terence Crawford.
A Year Off, Surgery, and Zero Rust
What makes this win so compelling? Canelo hadn’t stepped into the ring in over a year. His last fight, back in September 2025, saw him drop the undisputed super middleweight title to Terence Crawford. Following that loss, he went under the knife for elbow surgery. Most fighters would show some ring rust after that kind of layoff and recovery, but Alvarez? He showed absolutely no signs of it against Mbilli. The man came back sharper than ever, proving that age and time off are just numbers for him.
Rivals React and Canelo’s Unbelievable Emotions
This dominant return didn’t go unnoticed. Both Jake Paul and Terence Crawford, who know a thing or two about big fights, quickly took to social media to congratulate Canelo on his victory. But the real insight into what this meant came from Alvarez himself. “It’s so difficult to explain,” Alvarez told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto after the fight. “It’s something unbelievable, this feeling. Like my first title. Thirty-one years as a professional. Sixteen years ago, I won my first title. Now, I won the title again. I’m so proud.” That’s the kind of emotion you hear from someone who truly loves the sport and just reclaimed their legacy. Canelo’s record now stands at an impressive 64-3-2, while Mbilli took his second career loss, falling to 29-1-1.
This win for Canelo Alvarez was more than just a title reclamation, it was a testament to his enduring skill and passion, solidifying his place at the top once again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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