Mbilli vs Alvarez: Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez reclaims world title with vintage performance

Cameroon-born Mbilli, who trains in Canada, was making the first defence of his WBC title after being elevated to champion in January.

Alvarez, meanwhile, was competing for the first time without a world title to his name since 2015.

Pundits had questioned whether Alvarez’s skills were declining following defeat by Crawford and over a year out of the ring, but his response was emphatic.

Mbilli pressured Alvarez in the early stages, peppering him against the ropes, with the Mexican looking to land big counters.

Alvarez responded by dismissively shaking his head to shrug off their impact, before goading Mbilli into attacking again.

Although Mbilli was throwing more punches, it was Alvarez who was landing the harder shots, with a couple of big right uppercuts finding the mark in round six.

The pattern continued in the next few rounds, with Alvarez countering the busy but largely ineffective Mbilli, before the defending champion was dealt a further blow by being docked a point for hits to the back of the head.

From there Alvarez cruised to the finish line with Mbilli continuing to push forward but posing little threat to the Mexican.

Alvarez’s defence and timing of punches was too slick throughout, and although Mbilli landed a couple of stinging right hands in the closing stages, it was in vain.

Alvarez did not mention who he wants to fight next in his post-fight interview, but hinted at a quick return to training.

“I’m going to rest. I’m going to keep learning. I’m going to keep working hard,” said Alvarez.

“And right now I’m going to be a couple of weeks off and then come back.”