One of boxing’s top trainers, Robert Garcia, has weighed in on the upcoming showdown between Mexican great Canelo Alvarez and the hard-hitting Christian Mbilli.
Canelo is set to make his much-anticipated return to the ring later this year when he challenges Mbilli for the WBC world super-middleweight title in Saudi Arabia on Saturday September 12.
The 35-year-old from Guadalajara has been out of action since he suffered the third defeat of his professional career to former pound-for-pound star Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford in September of last year.
Mbilli was awarded the WBC super-middleweight title at the beginning of the year after Crawford opted to vacate the belt after announcing his retirement from boxing.
In an interview with YSM Sports Media, Robert Garcia claimed that whilst he believes Canelo is capable of defeating Mbilli, he says the fight is ‘not going to be easy’ for the Mexican superstar.
“Mbilli’s tough, man. He had a really good fight with Lester [Martinez], and Lester’s also a great fighter, so it’ll be interesting to see how Canelo comes back after that beating he took.”
“It’s a close fight; I’d still favour Canelo, but it’s not going to be easy.”
Mbilli was last in action on the undercard of Canelo’s defeat to Crawford – a split decision draw against Guatemala’s Lester Martinez after a closely-fought battle at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
