WBC promotes Mbilli from interim status to full champion in the 168-pound division.
Christian Mbilli, the WBC interim super middleweight champion, has had his interim title upgraded, and he is now officially recognized as the full champion by the WBC. Terence Crawford lost the title he obtained from Canelo Alvarez after failing to comply with a payment agreement set by the sanctioning body. Crawford announced his retirement last month.
The World Boxing Council revealed Mbilli’s promotion to full champion during their weekly “Martes de Café” press conference held in Mexico City.
Christian Mbilli attended Martes de Café ☕🥊, where he discussed his feelings about becoming a world champion, his future aspirations, and his victory in the Fight of the Year 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/eHSuFnDbkT
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) January 27, 2026
Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) maintained his interim title on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford in September, achieving a split draw against Lester Martinez. There were reports of a potential matchup with England’s Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant title, but the WBC opted to cancel the request for that bout. Sheeraz is now associated with a fight against Diego Pacheco for the vacant WBO title.
It is anticipated that Mbilli will face Martinez in a rematch for his first title defense. However, no confirmation has been made regarding the champion’s next steps.
