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Christian Mbilli eager to return before May, remove WBC 'interim'  status
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Christian Mbilli eager to return before May, remove WBC 'interim' status
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6 days ago
The Ring Staff
6 days ago
2 min read
, who had a split draw with Lester Martinez in September, is back in Montreal and is focused on "more war" in 2026.
WBC interim super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli is back in Montreal and ready to remove the asterisk of interim from his title designation.
Mbilli, who lives in Dubai, has had time off since fighting Lester Martinez to a 10-round split draw on Sept. 13.
He has largely spent downtime traveling, visiting Japan with his girlfriend before heading to France for family time.
The Martinez encounter was quite the showstopper, taking place on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
"I think it was a very good fight for me," Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) told The Ring. "Maybe I was supposed to do better in the ring, but it was a good fight, he's a very good fighter. I did my best in that moment.
"It was a good fight to show people what type of fighter I am. I think it was the best fight of the evening and I'm very happy with this.
"It was a great thing [to be on that undercard and on Netflix] but it was more pressure. It was a good experience because after this, I think I will be ready for everything. It was the biggest event ever and in my life."
The nature of his performance and fight has seen Mbilli gain considerable acclaim.
"Many people texted me. Many talked to me saying it was a crazy, amazing fight, they had never seen this type of very exciting fight," he said.
"I think people want to see more fights like this. It's very good for the fan but not always for the fighter. It takes something out of you."
Now he's ready to kick on and put his body through the grind again in his bid to become a full world champion.
"The division was locked up with Canelo," Mbilli said. "Now, I think there are more opportunities because you have a lot of big talents. We are waiting to be world champion. Now I think it's time for me and other boxers to have a chance.
"I think I will be WBC world champion very soon and after this. I want to be the division's No. 1. I don't know if Canelo wants to fight again. I'll take the opportunity to beat him if I have that, but first want to be world champion."
It will almost certainly be someone besides Alvarez, looking to profit from the vacant titles after Crawford's retirement last month.
"Right now, the WBC asked [Hamzah] Sheeraz to fight us, we're still waiting for more information,"Mbilli said.
"I hope I will be in the ring before May, hoping March or April. I am waiting for the opponent and for maybe a TV date. ... More war is coming."
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