What is the WBC super middleweight title?
The WBC super middleweight title is a world boxing championship recognized by the World Boxing Council, a sanctioning body. Christian Mbilli holds it, and he is unbeaten. Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez is set to challenge him on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Why it's in the news
Canelo Álvarez faces WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Oct. 31, 2026, his first fight in more than a year. The bout headlines a ten-fight card, and an undercard trainer has raised concerns about the location.
- Canelo Fight — Canelo Álvarez fights Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Oct. 31
Background
The WBC is one of several organizations that sanction professional boxing title bouts. Its super middleweight belt is one of the world championships for fighters in the super middleweight division, the weight class that sits between middleweight and light heavyweight. A champion holds the belt until he loses it in the ring or vacates it.
Christian Mbilli is the current champion. Sources describe him as unbeaten and say the Riyadh bout will be his first defense of the title. Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez, a Mexican boxer, will face him on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at The Venue in Riyadh. Álvarez's last fight was a loss by unanimous decision to Terence Crawford in September 2025, so this bout is his first in more than a year. Sources note that he is trying to regain a belt he lost in that fight. Álvarez arrived in Saudi Arabia to a crowd of fans waving Mexican flags and said he was ready and excited for the fight.
The bout is the headline of a ten-fight card called "México contra el Mundo," which pairs Mexican boxers with international opponents. A New York Times headline reports concerns from an undercard trainer about the fight taking place in Riyadh.
Sources
- The New York TimesCanelo Álvarez undercard trainer voices concerns over Riyadh fight taking place
- Yahoo SportsChristian Mbilli vs Canelo Alvarez: Prediction and fight card for October 31
- Sports IllustratedCanelo llega a Arabia Saudita entre gritos de “México, México” para enfrentar a Mbilli
- ReutersCanelo says he is ready for Saturday fight in Riyadh
- ESPNSaul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli: How to watch in UK, ring-walk time, date, TV channel, undercard