Canelo Álvarez is back on top of the super middleweight division.
Álvarez defeated Christian Mbilli via unanimous decision to reclaim the WBC 168-pound championship Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The judges scored the fight 115-112, 116-111, and 117-110 in Álvarez's favor.
Álvarez stepped into the ring for the first time since dropping the undisputed title to Terence Crawford in September 2025. He returned to the win column and is now a three-time super middleweight champion.
Álvarez seemed relieved after getting his hand raised.
"It feels like my first title," Álvarez said in his postfight interview. "After 21 years as a professional, 16 years ago, I won my first title. Now I won the title again."
Following a competitive first half of the fight, Álvarez pulled away from Mbilli in the second half, staying busier and doing more damage on the feet. Álvarez outlanded Mbilli 158-117 in total punches and and 132-91 in power shots.
Álvarez is now 7-1 in his last eight appearances dating back to 2022. The 36-year-old Mexican improved to 63-3-2 as a professional.
Mbilli suffered the first loss of his career, falling to 29-1-1. The 31-year-old was elevated to WBC super middleweight champion in January after Crawford vacated the title. He was making his first title defense against Álvarez.
