ISLAMABAD, 1 November, 2026 (Nosheen): Mexican boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defeated French fighter Christian Mbilli by unanimous decision to reclaim the WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The 36-year-old secured victory after a 12-round contest, taking control in the second half of the bout despite a competitive opening. Alvarez was returning to the ring for the first time since his defeat to American boxer Terence Crawford in September 2025, while 31-year-old Mbilli had been elevated to titleholder in January. The fight began as a closely contested encounter, with Mbilli showing greater activity in the early rounds, but Alvarez gradually established his dominance. The Mexican displayed his experience in the sixth round before delivering a decisive performance in the seventh, trapping Mbilli against the ropes and landing a powerful right uppercut that visibly unsettled the Frenchman. Mbilli subsequently lost a point in the eighth round for punching behind the head, further weakening his position as Alvarez took control of the contest. After receiving the championship belt, an emotional Alvarez said the achievement was difficult to describe and felt like winning his first title again, despite having spent more than two decades as a professional boxer. The bout went ahead amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, which had prompted the cancellation of several sporting events in the kingdom, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition and the final round of the World Rally Championship.