Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli fought for the WBC super-middleweight world title in Riyadh on Saturday.
Canelo weighed in at 167.6lbs and Mbilli was just over 167.8lbs.
Alvarez is looking to regain one of the world titles he held in his first fight since his stunning loss to Terence Crawford last year.
When Crawford retired, he vacated four major world championships and Mbilli became a WBC title holder.
“I’m a competitor now, but in my mind I’ve always been a champion since I was a kid,” Canelo said.
He chose to go with Mbilli, a high caliber, tough, aggressive fighter right after the loss.
“I don’t believe in shortcuts. I want to be world champion again and that’s why I want to face the best. Mbilli is the world champion,” Canelo said.
Mbilli, undefeated with just one draw in his 30-fight professional career, said: “I have a lot of respect for Canelo and his career and I congratulate him on everything he has achieved. But in the ring it will be a different story and I am coming to win.
“I am ready to shock the world.”
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The event held in Riyadh is taking place against the background of the escalation of the conflict in the region.
Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi Arabia’s airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, and security concerns have led to the postponement or cancellation of other sporting events in the kingdom.
“You know, it’s special for me to fight in Saudi and whatever it takes, I’m going to be the world champion again,” Canelo said.
“Because I’m a fighter and I still want to achieve a lot in boxing and that’s what motivates me. I love boxing.”
Can Mbilli tarnish Canelo’s legacy?
Matthew Hatton boxed Canelo in 2011 in the Mexican superstar’s first career world title fight. He thinks this fight could affect Canelo’s legacy.
“I think he still has plenty of time to beat Mbilli. I think it’s an interesting fight,” Hatton said. Leg 2 podcast.
But he warned: “People say he doesn’t tarnish his legacy, but for me it’s a bit. Say he was going to lose to Mbilli at the weekend, for me it’s a bit tarnished.
“We all look at it differently. I would like him to retire now.”
“Personally, I’d like Canelo to stop now, he’s had a very good career, a fantastic legacy and I think it’s a shame when they last too long.”