Saul “Canelo” Alvarez officially cleared the final regulatory hurdle for his highly anticipated return to the ring, weighing in at 167.6 pounds on Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 36-year-old Mexican sensation came in slightly lighter than WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli, who tipped the scales at 167.8 pounds. Both fighters met their required weights, rendering the championship bout official and setting the stage for a pivotal clash in the super middleweight division.
The Mexican star clears final hurdle for Saudi Arabia showdown after 13-month hiatus
Alvarez’s return marks his first professional appearance in over 13 months, following a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025. Entering the bout with a record of 63-3-2 and 39 knockouts, the veteran champion emphasized the significance of reclaiming his place in the world championship corner. Speaking through a translator, Alvarez asserted his dominance, stating, “He’s never faced anybody like that, so tomorrow I’m going to teach him exactly what it is to face somebody like me.”
The weigh-in event was marked by a vibrant atmosphere, featuring mariachi music and WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza performing on the microphone. After the official weigh-in, Alvarez and the heavily muscular Cameroonian-Frenchman Mbilli engaged in a final staredown, heightening the anticipation for Saturday’s main event. With both fighters now confirmed for the bout, all eyes turn to the ring as Alvarez seeks to bounce back from his recent setback and assert his enduring legacy in the sport.
Source: Yahoo Sports
