Canelo Defeats Mbilli by Decision, Retains WBC Title

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez retained his WBC super-middleweight title after defeating Christian Mbilli by unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on DAZN PPV.

The fight was close in the first half, but Canelo's experience allowed him to take control in the second half, leading to the judges' scores of 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110.

In the opening round, both fighters exchanged left jabs, with Canelo landing two hard overhand rights. Mbilli found success by getting in close and working the body.

Mbilli settled into a rhythm in the second round, using straight punches to keep Canelo at bay. Canelo managed a left hook to the body, but the round was clearly Mbilli's.

Canelo regained control in the fourth round with his quick left hook and overhand right, limiting Mbilli's effectiveness. Mbilli struggled to generate much offense during this period.

Mbilli was more active in the fifth round, pressing Canelo against the ropes and throwing a flurry of punches. Canelo responded with individual punches but could not match Mbilli's momentum.

Canelo made a strong comeback in the sixth round with a huge overhand right that forced Mbilli to retreat. Canelo's left hook to the body and feints set up his most effective punches.

In the seventh round, Canelo landed a right uppercut that stunned Mbilli. He followed with a four-punch combination before the end of the round.

Mbilli was deducted a point for hitting Canelo behind the head. After a warning, Canelo alerted the referee, who then deducted a point from Mbilli.

From rounds 9-12, Canelo dominated, with Mbilli unable to match his ferocity. Canelo ended the fight wanting to exchange, but it was too little, too late.