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Add FightsATW on GoogleChristian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) is gearing up for the first defense of his WBC super-middleweight title against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) on Saturday. But is he worried? Not one bit, because according to him, Canelo might just have made a big mistake.
Talking to the Ring Magazine, Mbilli’s eyes did not betray even an ounce of concern as he nonchalantly claimed that Alvarez wasn’t ready for the pressure that he was about to bring.
“I’m a little bit shocked Alvarez took the fight because I was not sure that after he lost that he was going to take on a dangerous fighter like me,” he said. “Of course he made a mistake, and I’m going to make him pay. Nobody can take my pressure.”
Mbilli’s confidence heading into Canelo is rooted less in bravado than in the belief that the timing of the fight has finally swung in his favour. He sees himself at 31, still improving physically and technically, while Canelo is 36 and coming off a performance against Terence Crawford in which he appeared unusually short of answers and unable to impose his pressure or punching power. Mbilli has repeatedly pointed to that contrast, arguing that he has spent the last five years getting better while Canelo’s performances have gradually declined.
More importantly, Mbilli was ringside in Las Vegas for the Crawford fight, having fought Lester Martinez earlier that night, so his confidence is informed by a close look rather than merely watching highlights afterward. But Mbilli insists he isn’t trying to reproduce Crawford’s formula, where Crawford systematically outboxed Canelo. Mbilli intends to make the fight physical from the opening bell, believing his relentless pressure
“We have been waiting for Canelo for many years. I think it’s perfect timing for me because it’s not the same Canelo from five years ago. I respect him. He’s a very good man. He’s a humble man. He’s not like people who make a lot of trash talk. But he’s still very dangerous, and I think I am in my prime right now. It’s a good time for me to have this challenge,” he said.
“The Best Is Yet To Come”
Mbilli admitted that he has nothing left to prove other than give a spectacular performance. While he is certain of his fiery ring craft on fight night, it might not be his best, for in his own words his best performances are “yet to come”.
“I have no pressure. I have nothing to prove. I think I have all that it takes to win, and that’s the key. I’m a spectacular boxer. I put a lot of pressure, and I bring a big show for boxing fans,” he said. “I have all of the abilities to win this fight. I have to be me, and I will win this fight. The best is yet to come.”
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