CHRISTIAN MBILLI achieved pass marks when he sat his litmus test at the weekend.
Ukrainian Sergey Derevyanchenko, a troublesome opponent for world-class fighters in the past, was the man tasked with posing Mbilli difficult questions. Mbilli now has a promotional powerhouse behind him in Top Rank and on Saturday night in Quebec City he would have pleased Bob Arum with a performance that cements his place as one of the best super-middleweights in the world.
The next test the WBC number one contender wants would be a far stiffer proposition but he will have to wait for unified champion Canelo Alvarez who has an easier looking assignment against Edgar Berlanga next month.
If Mbilli returns before the end of the year then who should he fight? Boxing News presents some options worth considering.
Munguia gave his all against Canelo but it wasn’t enough.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs)
The Mexican is on the comeback trail having lost his unbeaten record at the hands of Canelo in May. Munguia was good but not good enough to topple the king and found himself outgunned on Cinco de Mayo weekend. Munguia returns on September 30 – with new promoters Top Rank behind him – against Erik Bazinyan, a fight which Munguia should win with something to spare. Mbilli vs. Munguia is a thrilling prospect but for it to happen before the end of the year Munguia will have to do a demolition job on Bazinyan. The likelihood is Top Rank will build this for 2025.
David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade after their fight at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada (David Becker/Getty Images)
Demetrius Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs)
Andrade should have been awarded a bravery medal for getting to the sixth round against the formidable David Benavidez last November. We’ve yet to see the return of Andrade but the 36-year-old still has a skillset that would set another test for Mbilli. And after what Benavidez did Mbilli may look at that as a yardstick and aim to do one better than the now light-heavyweight contender.
Plant fought for the undisputed 12st crown three years ago against Canelo.
(Al Bello/Getty Images)
Caleb Plant (22-2, 13 KOs)
Plant has been putting himself about lately without getting into the ring and having a fight. Altercations with Ryan Garcia and Jermall Charlo have kept him on YouTube but let’s not forget Plant is a legitimate super-middleweight contender. The trouble is the division isn’t deep with talent and the former IBF champion may be on the slide. He didn’t disgrace himself against Canelo and didn’t back down from Benavidez – both defeats – and he still possesses enough to have a chance of beating Mbilli
What about British super-middleweights?
Chris Eubank Jr was prepared to go back to 168lbs to earn millions against Canelo – and who wouldn’t – but it never felt like a realistic proposition. Eubank would ask himself what he gains from fighting Mbilli. A fight we’re unlikely to see unless something significant is at stake.
Zach Parker could be asked to step in for an end of year dance with Mbilli in what would be described by naysayers as a ‘keep busy’ fight. Parker was unlucky to lose the way he did against John Ryder in 2022 but the broken right hand has healed and three wins on the trot, including two this year, put some momentum on his side. And there’s no question he would jump at the chance.
Mark Jeffers is hoping to land a shot at European champion Kevin Lele Sadjo but should that not materialise then the Chorley fighter will hope something else worthwhile comes up. The truth is he’s an awkward proposition for most and beat former British champion Zak Chelli without maximising his potential last summer. His Maree Boxing stablemate Mark Jeffers didn’t last a full round against Mbilli earlier this year. Jeffers has the potential to do far better as long as he’s given enough notice to do so.
