Canelo's love affair with ring burns bright as he reclaims world title

RIYADH, Oct 31 : Twenty-one years, hundreds of millions of dollars and a place among boxing's all-time greats have done nothing to dim Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's hunger.

For all the riches and glory, the Mexican still finds his greatest joy within the unforgiving confines of a 25-square-metre ring, where he reclaimed the world title on Saturday with a unanimous points win over Christian Mbilli.

The bout went ahead in Riyadh after a week in which the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted Iran-aligned Houthi missiles and drones aimed at the capital. Security concerns led to the cancellation or postponement of several Saudi events, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition.

The 36-year-old Alvarez, returning to the ring for the first time in more than a year, relied on his trademark counter-punching and precise body shots to overcome the French champion and re-establish himself among boxing's elite.

The judges scored the fight 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110.

"It’s something unbelievable. It feels like my first title. Now, after 21 years as a professional, 16 years ago I won my first title. Now I won that title again. I’m so proud of my team," Canelo said.

"I love boxing. That's why I'm here, because I still love boxing and I enjoy it a lot."

RELENTLESS PRESSURE

Mbilli, who entered the contest with a record of 29 wins and one draw, looked to unsettle the Mexican with his relentless pressure and higher punch volume, but Alvarez landed the cleaner blows, including a sharp uppercut that made his opponent stagger in the seventh round.

The victory marked a significant comeback for Alvarez, who suffered only the third defeat of his professional career when American Terence Crawford outpointed him by unanimous decision in September 2025.