Canelo vs Mbilli is set for Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and streams on DAZN pay-per-view in the U.S. The pay-per-view main card is listed for about 2 p.m. ET, and the main event is expected in the late afternoon or early evening ET. Christian Mbilli makes the first defense of his WBC super middleweight title against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who fights for the first time since losing to Terence Crawford in September 2025.
Canelo vs Mbilli: date, time and how to watch
- Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (the Riyadh Season "Mexico vs. The World" card)
- Start time: pay-per-view main card about 2 p.m. ET; main event ring walks expected in the late afternoon or early evening ET
- How to watch in the U.S.: DAZN pay-per-view, also included with a DAZN Ultimate subscription
- Title: WBC super middleweight championship
The early fights start in the morning ET, and ring-walk times are estimates that can shift. Jaime Munguia also defends his WBA super middleweight title against Nikita Zon on the same card. The event stayed on schedule after attacks on Riyadh's airport earlier this month, but check the DAZN app on fight day for any changes.
Who are the fighters?
Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs)
Canelo is a former four-division world champion from Mexico and one of the biggest names in boxing. He won decisions over Edgar Berlanga in September 2024 and William Scull in Riyadh in May 2025. Then Terence Crawford beat him by unanimous decision in Las Vegas in September 2025. His last stoppage win came against Caleb Plant in 2021, so fans want to see if he can still hurt a top opponent.
Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs)
Mbilli was born in Cameroon, boxed for France at the 2016 Olympics and built his pro career in Quebec, Canada. He won the WBC interim title with a first-round stoppage of Maciej Sulecki in June 2025. In September 2025 he fought to a split draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo-Crawford undercard. The WBC upgraded him to full champion in January 2026, after Crawford no longer held the belt. About four out of five of his wins have come by knockout.
Styles and keys to Canelo vs Mbilli
This is a pressure fighter against a counterpuncher. Mbilli comes forward, throws a lot of punches and keeps a high pace. Canelo works best in the pocket, where he slips shots, counters and digs to the body.
- Mbilli's pace. He wants a busy fight. If he outworks Canelo in close rounds, the judges may reward his volume.
- Canelo's counters. Fighters who walk forward give Canelo targets. His left hook and right hand to the body can slow a pressure fighter by the middle rounds.
- Output over 12 rounds. Canelo's recent fights have been tactical, and critics question his work rate. He may need to throw more than usual to win rounds.
- Experience. Canelo has 68 pro fights and has headlined many of the sport's biggest shows. This is Mbilli's first fight on a stage this big.
Our pick (opinion)
This is our opinion only, not a guarantee. We lean Canelo by decision in a close fight. Mbilli should win early rounds with volume, but Canelo's body work and counters can slow him down the stretch. A Mbilli win through late pressure would not surprise us.
Train for this style: Mexican-style gloves and body work
You don't need a title fight to train like a pro boxer. Try these drills in your next session:
- Body jab and hook to the body: on the heavy bag, bend your knees, jab to the body, then come back with a lead hook to the ribs. Do three rounds of three minutes.
- Slip and counter: on mitts, have your partner throw a slow jab. Slip to the outside and return a right hand. Keep your chin down.
- Pressure rounds: one partner walks forward with light shots. The other pivots off the ropes and counters. Switch roles every round.
Compact Mexican-style gloves suit this kind of work. The Fairtex BGV9 Mexican Style gloves in white and red use double-layer latex foam and come in 10 to 18 oz. The same glove also comes in black and yellow. For a glove handmade in Mexico, look at the Cleto Reyes Hook and Loop gloves in red or blue, with a leather shell and a long cuff for wrist support. Cleto Reyes sizes are limited, so check the product page. Browse all boxing gloves or the Cleto Reyes collection at Fight Trade Store in the USA.
Not sure if you need 14 oz or 16 oz for sparring? Our guide on how to choose the right boxing gloves for sparring explains it. All online orders are final sale, so check the size chart before you order. If you're unsure, call or email us, or try gloves on in the store.
Try gloves on near Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Visit Fight Trade Store in Pompano Beach, Florida, at 2050 N Andrews Ave #103, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. We're open Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM, and closed on Sunday. Call +1 (954) 234-9616 or email gear@fight-trade.us. Local pickup is available for USA stock. Find directions on our store page.
FAQ
What time does Canelo vs Mbilli start?
The DAZN pay-per-view main card is listed for about 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 31, and the main event is expected in the late afternoon or early evening ET. Early fights start in the morning ET. Check DAZN on fight day for exact ring walks.
How can I watch Canelo vs Mbilli in the U.S.?
The fight streams on DAZN pay-per-view. It is also included with a DAZN Ultimate subscription.
What title is on the line in Canelo vs Mbilli?
Mbilli's WBC super middleweight title. It is his first defense since the WBC made him full champion in January 2026.
What is Canelo's record?
Canelo is 63-3-2 with 39 knockouts. His last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025.