In a comprehensive and candid new interview, boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has opened up about the current chapter of his storied career, his upcoming October 31 title defense against the hard-charging Christian Mbilli, and his lingering desire to step back into the ring with Terence Crawford to avenge a previous defeat.
Speaking with veteran reporter Mike Coppinger on behalf of Ring Magazine, Alvarez touched upon the motivations that continue to drive him, the strategic reasons behind delaying his autumn bout, and how he evaluates his legacy at a stage where he has already achieved virtually everything possible in the sport.
Canelo on Facing Christian Mbilli
Looking ahead to his high-stakes October 31 championship clash, Alvarez expressed genuine enthusiasm for the stylistic matchup that Christian Mbilli brings to the table. Known for his relentless pressure, high work rate, and aggressive forward momentum, Mbilli represents a formidable challenge that Alvarez believes will bring out the absolute best in him.
“He’s a champion and he’s a very aggressive fighter. He go forward, throws a lot of punches and that make me excited because it’s good styles to make a good fight. Could be Fight of the Year,” Alvarez told Ring Magazine.
This stylistic clash has captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide, promising an explosive encounter where both fighters are expected to trade heavily from the opening bell. For Alvarez, facing an opponent who refuses to take a backward step offers a distinct kind of motivation, setting the stage for what many analysts predict will be a grueling, action-packed war of attrition.
On Why the Fight Was Delayed from September
Originally slated for the traditional Mexican Independence Day weekend in September, the bout was ultimately pushed back to the end of October. Alvarez addressed the postponement directly, explaining that peak performance at the elite level requires absolute preparation, both mentally and physically, leaving no room for outside distractions.
“Because I wasn’t ready. I have a little bit of problems with the family I need to fix and everything. And I like to have a pre-camp and then come to the training camp, so that’s why I postponed that fight because I learned from the past, you know… At this level [there’s a tiny margin for error] between win or lose,” Alvarez explained.
By taking the necessary time to address his personal life and ensure his body underwent its proper preparatory phases before entering the rigorous environment of a full training camp, Alvarez demonstrated the discipline and self-awareness that have kept him at the pinnacle of professional boxing for over a decade. At the championship level, even the smallest disruption can tilt the scales, making patience and proper timing paramount.
On What Motivates Him at This Stage of His Career
With a resume featuring multiple weight-class championships, legendary victories, and a secure place in boxing history, questions often arise regarding why Alvarez continues to subject himself to the grueling demands of training camps and high-level prizefighting. His answer, however, remains rooted in a pure and simple passion for the sport.
“I love boxing. Sometimes I try to say ‘why am I here if I accomplish everything?’ but I love boxing. That’s why I’m here, because I still love boxing and I enjoy it a lot,” he shared.
That enduring affection for the sweet science is what continues to propel him forward. Even after conquering divisions, headlining massive pay-per-view events, and securing financial security for generations, the competitive fire inside Alvarez burns brightly, fueling his desire to test himself against the best fighters of his era.
On a Rematch with Terence Crawford
Naturally, the conversation also turned toward the future and Alvarez’s unfinished business with Terence Crawford. Having experienced the sting of defeat against Crawford in a previous encounter, Alvarez is eager for the opportunity to run it back. Historically, Alvarez has proven to be a formidable adjustments-maker in rematches, a track record he hopes to build upon.
“I hope so. If you realize that I always did good in my rematches. So, I always do good in the rematch so I hope that fight happens again… I just try to learn how much I can from the loss and from the other fights and get better, learn more and do better in the ring,” Alvarez said.
Reflecting on their first encounter, Alvarez revealed that he has meticulously studied the tape, reviewing the fight multiple times to dissect what went wrong and where the margins were decided.
“[I’ve rewatched the Crawford fight] like five times, and it was very close. It’s not that much [that separates us]. But, yeah, it’s very [fine line between winning and losing] but I know what happened and I know my mistakes, and plus Crawford is a great fighter and you need to be 100%,” Alvarez noted.
As Alvarez prepares for his upcoming battle against Christian Mbilli on October 31, his focus remains entirely on delivering a stellar performance and continuing his legendary career on his own terms.
