Paulie Malignaggi believes Christian Mbilli has the style to defeat Canelo Alvarez, arguing that relentless pressure and a high work rate create the type of fight the Mexican star has struggled with throughout his career.
Malignaggi explained that Mbilli’s constant activity separates him from many of Canelo’s recent opponents. Rather than searching for one fight-changing punch, the unbeaten WBC super middleweight champion applies steady pressure from the opening bell with the intention of breaking opponents down over 12 rounds. Mbilli faces Canelo on October 31st in their rescheduled fight in Riyadh.
“I don’t think he’s going to beat Mbilli because I think he brings too much of a pace,” Malignaggi said to Fighthype. “One thing Canelo hates is pace. If, God forbid, he beats the guy, he’ll trap that belt again. He’ll go fight Eubank. He’ll go do another tour with the belt and not give any of the good fighters a shot.”
Malignaggi also explained why he believes Mbilli presents a difficult style for Alvarez, regardless of how motivated he is.
“Canelo, I don’t care how much he’s up for it, he’s a 40-punch-a-round fighter. Mbilli will be way up for it. He brings a pace every time. Although he is hittable because he’s right in front of you, he’s also very difficult to dissuade mentally. He wants to punish you. He wants to make you uncomfortable. I just don’t think Canelo ever liked that kind of pace, even in his prime.”
A meeting between Canelo and Mbilli would test whether Canelo can still control the tempo against a younger opponent who rarely lets his hands rest. Malignaggi’s prediction centers on work rate rather than punching power. If Mbilli forces Alvarez into a fast-paced fight from start to finish, he believes the challenger has an excellent chance to pull off the upset.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/01 at 3:52 AM
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