Canelo Alvarez is planning on regaining his WBC super-middleweight world title when he returns to action against Christian Mbilli in October, and one of the Mexican superstar’s former sparring partners has offered his verdict on the bout.
Canelo lost the undisputed super-middleweight crown to Terence Crawford last September, only for Crawford’s retirement to lead to the vacation of all four straps and see Mbilli elevated to full WBC world champion.
Canelo was sidelined by an injury to his right elbow in that scrap and underwent surgery earlier this year, but secured his spot in a challenge for his old belt as Mbilli agreed to a lucrative fight offer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Sean Zittel, Yoenli Hernandez, who sparred Alvarez ahead of his showdown with Crawford, declared his belief that Canelo will come out on top against Mbilli and return to the 168lb throne.
“Yes, definitely [he has enough left to beat Mbilli], when he is in that training camp he focuses in on and makes sure that he is ready for his guy.
“He still has a lot in the tank, so that should be an interesting fight but I see Canelo winning.”
Canelo-Mbilli is scheduled to go ahead on Saturday, October 31st, where he will top a ‘Mexico vs. The World’ themed bill, which is already set to feature one additional world title contest, with others expected to be added soon.
Meanwhile, Hernandez defeated Francisco Daniel Veron in a career-best success on Saturday and the Cuban is set to be mandated for a shot at Denzel Bentley’s WBO middleweight title, although Bentley will be permitted one voluntary defence before that fight is enforced.
