Canelo to challenge Christian Mbilli for WBC super middleweight title in September

Cinco De Mayo weekend had typically been a Canelo Alvarez fight weekend. 

However, it's different in 2026 as Alvarez's rival, David Benavidez, challenges Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles on Saturday in Las Vegas, live on DAZN PPV. 

But Alvarez, though, will still be keeping his other traditional date on the fight calendar.

Ring Magazine reported on Thursday that Alvarez will lock horns with all-action fighter Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight championship in September in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs)  returns to the ring for the first time since losing his 168-pound titles to Terence Crawford last September. Following his first-ever loss at super middleweight, Alvarez underwent elbow surgery, which wasn't going to allow him the chance at fighting this weekend. 

Mbilli  (29-0-1, 24 KOs) hasn't fought since a thrilling split draw against Lester Martinez on the Alvarez-Crawford undercard to retain the interim WBC title. He got elevated to full champion status when Crawford announced his retirement in December. 

Benavidez vs. Zurdo on DAZN PPV

Watch David Benavidez versus Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on DAZN PPV this Saturday, May 2. Buy as a one-off PPV or get it included with the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which also includes the Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), Usyk vs. Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13), and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs without any extra one-off costs.

For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here.