Respected trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre believes Canelo Alvarez could be in for a rude awakening when he faces Christian Mbili in October.
Two super middleweights will meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabiaand Canelo began his first outing since losing to Terence Crawford last September.
That unanimous decision stripped the Mexican of the 168-pound crown, though he’s now trying to reclaim a quarter of the undisputed championship.
Meanwhile, Mbili, who became the WBC champion following Crawford’s retirement in December, is looking to create his own legacy.
Known for implementing a style with a lot of volume, the Frenchman breaks away exciting 10-round draw with Lester Martinezwho was featured on the Canelo-Crawford undercard.
As Martinez’s head trainer, “BoMac” knows more than anyone about the intensity and physicality that Mbili brings to the ring, believing that could play a factor against the 35-year-old Canelo.
Not only that, but McIntyre said FightHype that he suspects Alvarez was reluctant to accept the challenge as part of a multi-fight deal with Turki Alalski.
“It’s not a walk in the park for Canelo – I promise you that. Mbili is a battle mom and he’s fighting until the end.
“Will his skills match or Canelo’s? That remains to be seen. If (Canelo wins), it will probably reflect on him.
“That devil Mbili will fight you toe-to-toe. Does Canelo want that at his age? Probably not.
“He is forced (to accept) such fights with those guaranteed money (from Alalshih)? Probably so.”
With Martinez defending his WBC ‘interim’ title against Luka Plantich on August 29, ‘BoMac’ hopes his charge will face the winner of Mbili-Canelo.
The American trainer has faced both Mbili and Canelo before, albeit in different fighters’ corners, and will likely be confident of leading Martinez to victory.