Canelo Alvarez–Christian Mbilli Testing Window Keeps Shrinking

The expected VADA testing program for Canelo Alvarez’s October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli has yet to begin. That leaves little more than a month before their WBC super middleweight title fight in Riyadh, and each passing week reduces the time available for unannounced, bout-specific tests.

An official familiar with the situation told BoxingScene that Saudi promoter Sela had not paid VADA to test the fighters. Later Monday, an official said VADA had “not been contacted for this bout as yet.”

Canelo adviser Richard Schaefer directed the question to Sela. He said Canelo was ready to test, had submitted whereabouts forms, and that he understood the promoter was in touch with VADA. Schaefer also noted Mbilli’s enrollment in the WBC Clean Boxing Program and said both fighters would be tested.

The issue is when, not simply whether, testing takes place. Random tests have more value when they cover a substantial stretch of training camp. A program started in October can still collect samples, but it cannot go back and test the weeks that have passed. Providing whereabouts information is a useful step; it is not the same as an active testing schedule.
Sela’s delay is difficult to square with the scale of a Canelo event.

Schaefer’s comments put the next move with the organizer, which has yet to explain publicly why the expected program is not underway. That deserves a clear answer before the fighters arrive in Riyadh.

Canelo’s 2018 clenbuterol suspension makes the lapse more sensitive. He attributed that positive test to contaminated meat and has committed to VADA testing since. Mbilli has never tested positive for a banned substance.

The present delay is not evidence of wrongdoing by either boxer, but it creates avoidable questions around both men. It also comes as Sela and Turki Alalshikh have yet to formally announce the card.

BoxingScene reports that Rafael Espinoza and Lindolfo Delgado, both expected to appear, have not received contracts for their proposed bouts. Schaefer says Canelo–Mbilli will happen. Starting the promised testing program would give that assurance considerably more weight.