Christian Mbilli makes his case for Canelo with unanimous decision win over Derevyanchenko

Christian Mbilli went through the right of passage at 168 with a wide  10 round unanimous decision win over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in Quebec City (100-90,98-92, 99-91). Mbilli could not get the knockout over the Ukrainian, as so many other top contenders haven’t either.

While the scorecards were wide, Mbilli had to endure plenty of adversity, hurting his left shoulder in the 4^th round, relying a lot on his overhand right as the fight progressed. Fortunately for him, Derevyanchenko also damaged his left hand in the same stanza, having to switch to southpaw at times to keep the Cameroonian-French Canadian transplant off of him.

Mbilli wobbled Derevyanchenko in rounds 2 and 6, but never appeared to be able to push for the knockout.

While that’s of course a credit to Derevyanchenko’s grittiness and experience it also speaks to Mbilli’s ability to adapt in the middle of the fight, something he feels will help him against the top guys in the division, especially Canelo.

“I don’t think Berlanga has anything to (bother) him,” Mbilli said after the fight. “I think I’m more ready than Berlanga”.

The problem is, as David Benavidez will gladly tell you, is that Canelo calls the shots, including who he’ll fight, no matter the criticism that comes with it. Something Mbilli’s promoter Camille Estephan knows all too well.

“In full transparency, we can’t tell Canelo the fight to take,” Estephan said. “He (Canelo) has options, yes, but not credible options. Mbilli is the most credible option out there.”

And if Canelo doesn’t want to take the fight, who’s next?

“Anyone with a belt.”

It’s not easy convincing arguably the most bonafide “A” side to take a fight that’s high risk-low reward.

For what it’s worth though, four of five Derevyanchenko’s losses came to fighters who ended up fighting Canelo Álvarez as well.

Mbilli joined that elusive group who’s beaten the Ukrainian.

Will Mbilli be invited to share the ring with Saul Alvarez? Only time will tell.