Mbilli acknowledged that Canelo remains dangerous, but believes the former undisputed champion is no longer operating at his peak.
“Of course. He started very young. I think he was 16 years old. 15 years old. He have a lot of fight now. I think his performance he’s going down, but he’s still very dangerous. I think it’s perfect timing for me to beat him,” Mbilli told Mr. Verzace.
Mbilli’s assessment may be influenced by Canelo’s recent performances. Against Terence Crawford, William Scull, Edgar Berlanga, and Jaime Munguia, the Mexican star fought well in the opening rounds before showing signs of fatigue as the bouts wore on. If Mbilli believes age and mileage have diminished Canelo’s stamina, his decision to apply pressure from the opening bell becomes easier to understand.
The 35-year-old Canelo (63-3-2, 39 KOs) turned professional in 2005 and has fought many of the biggest names of his era across four weight classes. A victory over Mbilli would add another world title to his record, while a defeat would mark the fourth loss of his career.
Mbilli said he has no intention of abandoning the aggressive style that helped elevate him to the top of the division.
“I will not change anything, you know. I will put I will throw punch the first second and the last second of the fight and I hope he will be ready because it will be an amazing fight for him,” Mbilli said.
“I’m going to put more pressure, more combination, more combination. And I’m going to work my defense, too,” he added.
Mbilli has developed a reputation as one of boxing’s most entertaining pressure fighters, recording 24 knockouts in 29 victories. Against Canelo, he appears set to rely on the same relentless approach that has carried him to the WBC title.
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