Not Only Benavídez: Arum Names Two Boxers Who Would Beat Canelo

CEO of Top Rank Bob Arum believes his company’s fighter Christian Mbilli (28-0, 23 KO) would defeat undisputed super-middleweight champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-2-2, 39 KO) if they ever meet.

“Canelo gains nothing from fighting Mbilli. If he beats Crawford he’ll be looking for relatively easy opponents.

I think Mbilli is special. He’s a really good boxer—strong, big puncher, great chin, and a huge future ahead of him.

We’ll line up great fights for him. I don’t think Canelo will stay in this weight class. If Canelo beats Crawford—which I don’t expect—he’ll look for soft touches, finish his Riyadh Season deal, cash out, and retire.

He’s not going to take risks. I think Mbilli beats Canelo. I think David Benavídez beats Canelo. I don’t believe Canelo is the fighter he once was,” Arum said.

Mbilli’s next bout is against Maciej Sulęcki on 27 June in Canada; a detailed preview can be found at the link.

Photo: Bad Left Hook