Christian Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) defended his title shot against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez next, stopping Rohan Murdock (27-3, 19 KOs) in a sixth-round knockout victory last night in a one-match fight. One-sided massacre at the Videotron Center in Quebec City.
(Courtesy: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
Murdock’s corner took him out after the sixth round due to the punishment he had absorbed against Mbilli in the fight. At that point, Murdock looked as if he had been put through the wringer for taking countless hard hits from volume puncher Mbilli.
Future of the Division?
For many boxing fans, it was the first time they had seen Mbilli fight and they were definitely entertained. He has an exciting and effective style when his promoters match him carefully, as they did when putting him with Murdock, who doesn’t hit.
Mbilli’s lack of defense and power would likely make him fodder against assassins in the 168-pound division, but he’s still fun to watch as long as he’s not placed with A-level or elite fighters.
What took some fans by surprise was that WBC #1, WBC #1, IBF #3 and WBO #5 Mbilli called Canelo after the fight when he was interviewed inside the ring.
A difficult task, a bigger stage
Mbilli, 28, is certainly ranked high enough to deserve a title shot against Canelo, but there is a long line of better-known contenders than him who have been waiting for their shot against the Mexican superstar. It wouldn’t be fair for Mbilli to jump the line in front of these guys:
– David Benavidez – Jaime Munguia – David Morrell Jr. – Jermall Charlo – Diego Pacheco
If Mbilli’s promoter believes in him, he should next arrange a fight between him and ‘regular’ WBA super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs).
This is no Canelo, but Morrell has a world title, and it would be a good opportunity for Mbilli to show if he can face world-class opponents, which he has yet to face during his seven-year professional career.
“I want to show that I am the best in the division. My goal is to fight Canelo. I will do everything I can to fight Canelo,” Mbilli said after the fight last night.
