The historic Pyramids of Giza served as the setting for the first face-to-face meeting between Mexican Saúl Canelo Álvarez and Frenchman Christian Mbilli this Friday in Egypt.

Both boxers met face to face in Egyptian territory during the week of activities that precedes the stellar fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, taking advantage of the monumental setting of the desert to promote their next confrontation.

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The event was part of the official presentation of the fight that they will hold on September 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This clash is framed in the concept “Mexico against the World”, a sports project designed to pit Aztec figures against international contenders on high-profile cards organized by Saudi authorities.

An expected return to the ring

For Canelo Álvarez, this fight represents his return to professional activity after a year of hiatus. The Mexican boxer opted for a period of inactivity to undergo medical intervention and allow his body to recover from the physical wear and tear accumulated after years of competition in the world elite.

Regarding this stage, Canelo Álvarez recently commented during a press conference cited by ESPN: "I have needed this time to heal and return with the necessary energy; I am ready to demonstrate my level against the best in the world."

The challenge of an ambitious undefeated

Christian Mbilli comes to this match with an undefeated record of 29 victories, 24 of them by knockout. The fighter, born in Cameroon and nationalized French, has been promoted as champion of the division after the movements in the belts, and is looking for the victory against Canelo Álvarez that will allow him to definitively consolidate himself at the top of professional boxing.

The difference in experience is evident, since the Mexican has 63 wins in his history. Mbilli, however, has maintained a confident stance; In statements collected by BoxingScene, the challenger assured: “I have waited years for this opportunity against Canelo Álvarez and I do not plan to waste it in front of the whole world.”