Mbilli is a pressure fighter who works at a constant pace, accepts exchanges, and keeps advancing even when the fight turns uncomfortable. He does not wait for space or cooperation. He takes it. Berto’s view is that this kind of opponent removes choice from the equation and turns every round into a physical demand.
Mbilli is 30, unbeaten, and throws at a volume designed to wear opponents down. He fights at short range and forces exchanges whether the other fighter wants them or not. He creates openings by crowding and pushing opponents out of rhythm. That approach lines up poorly, Berto argues, with the version of Alvarez seen against Crawford, where his output dropped, and his legs slowed as the rounds went on.
Alvarez is 35. Stamina has been a recurring question in recent fights, and it surfaced again in September. Berto believes stepping straight into a high pressure opponent would make that issue the centre of the fight rather than something that can be managed. There would be little room to reset. Little room to control pace. Little chance to ease back into form.
“Is that the type of fight that Canelo wants coming off that loss?” Berto said while speaking to The Ring. “Mbilli is dangerous, and he is violent. He isn’t going to care about your health, and he isn’t going to care about his either. That’s the worst part.”
Instead, Berto pointed to Hamzah Sheeraz as a more sensible next step. Sheeraz is unbeaten and highly regarded at super middleweight, but his style is taller, more upright, and less suffocating. Berto sees that as a fight where Alvarez could set distance, find his timing, and see where he stands physically without being dragged into a sustained grind.
“I think the Sheeraz fight would be the perfect fight for him,” Berto said.
Mbilli may hold the WBC interim title, but Berto’s warning is about timing, not credentials. For a fighter coming off a clear loss, some fights allow space to recover form. Others demand answers immediately. Mbilli would demand them from the opening bell, and Berto believes that makes him the wrong choice right now.
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