Mbilli believes Canelo can no longer handle the pressure and workrate that once made him nearly unbeatable at super middleweight
Christian Mbilli believes the timing may finally be right to beat Canelo Alvarez after years of dominance at super middleweight. Mbilli said Alvarez remains one of the division’s best fighters, but questioned whether the former undisputed champion can still handle constant pressure and fast combinations at this stage of his career.
“Canelo is very old right now. Canelo is not the same Canelo like 10 year before, five year before,” said Mbilli to Ring Magazine. “That’s normal. This guy has been professional since he was 15 years old. He’s not the same Canelo, but he’s still dangerous. He’s still a good fighter. I think he’s top three, top two of the division. He’s still a very good boxer.
“But right now he’s getting old. It’s a good time for me to fight him.”
Mbilli said during an interview with The Ring while discussing a possible future fight against Alvarez. The unbeaten contender repeatedly pointed to his pressure style and activity level as reasons why he believes he could create serious problems for the Mexican star.
“I don’t know if right now he can take my pressure and my punch because I throw a lot of punch, a lot of pressure, I put a lot of energy,” said Mbilli. “I don’t know if right now he can take it because he’s getting very old.
“I think I can win. For me, I have good chance to win if I fight Canelo because right now it’s time to take Canelo. It’s time for me to take Canelo because he’s getting old.”
Mbilli also described a fight with Alvarez as one of the biggest opportunities possible for his career.
“It will be a privilege to fight Canelo. I’m open for everyone. To have a big name like Canelo, I will be very happy,” said Mbilli.