David Benavidez’s trainer says Canelo’s reflexes, speed and legs have declined ahead of his WBC title fight with Christian Mbilli
Jose Benavidez Sr believes Christian Mbilli can hand Canelo Alvarez another defeat when they meet for the WBC super middleweight title on September 12 in Riyadh. The veteran trainer said Canelo is no longer the fighter who ruled the division during his championship run.
Canelo is attempting to rebound from last year’s unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford, a defeat that cost him the undisputed championship at 168 pounds. Since then, the Mexican star has undergone elbow surgery and will return against Mbilli in an effort to reclaim the WBC title.
Benavidez Sr isn’t convinced the former undisputed champion will get the job done.
“I think his era is done. reflexes, speed, power [and his] legs are not there, so we see Canelo declining little by little,” said Benavidez Sr. to Fight Hub TV.
“It could be another loss for him [against Mbilli]. Mbilli’s a little bit fresher.”
Mbilli will defend the WBC super middleweight title against Canelo on September 12.
Mbilli enters the matchup as the reigning WBC super middleweight champion after being elevated from interim status following Crawford’s retirement. While many fans still view Canelo as the favorite based on his experience and accomplishments, Benavidez Sr sees a different outcome as a possibility.
The Benavidez family has long been critical of Alvarez, with David Benavidez spending years calling for a fight that never materialized. Now, with Canelo preparing for another title opportunity, Benavidez Sr believes the 35-year-old could be facing another difficult night in the ring.
Whether that prediction proves accurate will be answered on September 12, when Canelo attempts to reclaim championship gold against one of the division’s younger contenders.

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Last Updated on 2026/06/07 at 2:12 AM