Canelo Alvarez avenges Terence Crawford defeat in title-winning return over Christian Mbilli

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez made a winning return to boxing with a points victory over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Mexican was fighting for the first time in over a year since his stunning defeat by Terence Crawford in Las Vegas, Nevada, as ‘Bud’ jumped up the weight divisions to cause an almighty upset in the super-middleweight division.

It meant that Canelo lost all three of his world titles - the IBF, WBO and WBC belts - but he reclaimed the WBC crown against his French opponent at the Kingdom Arena on Saturday night.

The 36-year-old took control of his 69th professional bout to claim a unanimous decision win - the 64th of his illustrious career - but there was no stoppage for the veteran in the Middle East.

Champion: Canelo Alvarez

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The scorecards read 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 in Canelo’s favour, suggesting a dominant display, which was the case as he made his hugely-anticipated comeback to the ring after such a long spell on the sidelines.

"It's so difficult to explain. It's something unbelievable," Canelo said in the ring afterwards.

"Now after 21 years as a professional, 16 years ago I won my first title, now I won the title again.

"I want to thank everybody back home.

"I'm going to rest, I'm going to keep learning, I'm going to keep working hard. I'm going to take a couple of weeks off and then come back."

It remains to be seen what is next for the Mexican, and who he could face next in the division.

He is keen for a quick turnaround, and is eyeing a fast comeback next year.

“I want to fight quickly, like in February, something like that,” Canelo told Ring Magazine.