Christian Mbilli and Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the press conference ahead of their WBC super middleweight championship fight this Saturday, October 31st. Both the champion, Mbilli, and challenger, Alvarez, expressed confidence before a bout that represents an important moment in their respective careers. Álvarez, the fomrer multi division champ, requested an early start for the fight so children could go trick-or-treating on Halloween and, as his team predicted, celebrate a victory for the Mexican star. Mbilli expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his team’s work. He said he had completed the best training camp of his life and was physically and mentally prepared to defend the WBC belt.
The champion voiced respect for Canelo’s career but made it clear that he expects to win on Saturday. He also promised surprises during the fight and said this was the opportunity he had been preparing for throughout his career. “Good luck. See you on Saturday,” was his final message to the Mexican challenger.
Mbilli's trainer, Marc Ramsay, thanked the hosts for their welcome in Saudi Arabia and emphasized that the team had completed an intense, injury-free camp. He said they were ready to deliver a great fight and secure the victory.
Canelo, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue competing after more than two decades as a professional. He thanked Mauricio Sulaimán and remembered José Sulaimán, acknowledging the important roles both have played in his career.
Canelo recognized that he enters as the challenger but said that, in his mind, he remains a champion. He explained that he prefers to face the best and challenge the reigning titleholder directly, believing that is the way back to the top. “See you on Saturday,” he said in his final message to Mbilli.
Alvarez's trainer Eddy Reynoso noted that the press conference coincided with the 21st anniversary of Canelo’s professional debut and asked for a round of applause for his fighter. The trainer said a victory would strengthen Álvarez’s place in Mexican boxing history and highlighted the significance of pursuing the Green and Gold belt again—the first world championship belt Canelo won.
The press conference also featured David Picasso and Carl Martin, who will meet in a featherweight bout. Picasso, the Mexican fighter, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and said being part of his team was both an honor and a responsibility. He stated that he intends to dominate the fight and bring the victory home to Mexico, showcasing the quality of his country’s boxing.
Martin expressed respect for Picasso but said he had come to win and was prepared to go the distance and deliver a spectacular fight. The presentation concluded with Canelo and Mbilli facing off to music from Rocky ahead of their battle for the WBC super middleweight crown.
