Mbilli’s Unrelenting Pace: A Threat to Canelo?
Bradley is particularly impressed with Mbilli’s relentless fighting style, referring to his “high-revving engine” that could pose significant problems for any fighter in the 168-pound division, including Canelo. The 29-year-old Mbilli, originally from Cameroon and now residing in France, boasts an undefeated record of 28-0 with 23 knockouts, demonstrating his formidable power and aggressive approach in the ring.
Victory Over Derevyanchenko: A Mixed Reception
Despite Mbilli’s triumph, which saw him win by scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92, the victory did not come without criticism. Many fans and pundits were quick to point out that Mbilli failed to knock out Derevyanchenko, who was fighting with only one fully functional arm for the last six rounds due to a left bicep injury sustained in the fourth round. This has led to some questioning whether Mbilli truly has the firepower to take on a fighter of Canelo’s caliber.
Bradley’s Candid Assessment: Tough, But Not Unbeatable
In his assessment, Bradley was transparent about Mbilli’s limitations. He expressed doubts about Mbilli’s ability to dominate the super middleweight division, highlighting the stiff competition he would face. “Do I think he’s going to take over the division? I don’t think he’s going to take over the division,” Bradley stated, adding that while Mbilli is a tough challenge for anyone, he may not have the skills to overcome the top-tier fighters in the division.
Potential Foes: Who Can Beat Mbilli?
Bradley refrained from listing specific names during his analysis, but it’s likely he sees Jaime Munguia, Caleb Plant, Diego Pacheco, and Osleys Iglesias as formidable opponents who could potentially hand Mbilli his first professional defeat. Additionally, if fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell return to the 168-pound division, they too could pose significant threats to Mbilli, given their skills and power.
Canelo’s Calculations: Is Mbilli Worth the Risk?
While Bradley believes that Mbilli would present a tough challenge for Canelo, he also notes that Canelo is unlikely to feel pressured into accepting a fight against Mbilli just because of his punditry. The economic realities of boxing, particularly Mbilli’s relatively low profile in the U.S., mean that Canelo might not see the bout as financially attractive. Bradley hinted that Canelo would be doing both Top Rank and Mbilli a significant favor by agreeing to the fight.
Bradley’s Reverse Psychology: Will Canelo Bite?
Interestingly, Bradley suggested that his public comments might serve as a form of reverse psychology, potentially pushing Canelo to take on the challenge. “Maybe he will [fight Mbilli]. That’s the reverse psychology,” Bradley remarked, acknowledging that Canelo’s pride might drive him to prove a point against a fighter like Mbilli.
Mbilli’s Advantages: High Engine, Heart, and Pressure
Bradley praised Mbilli’s relentless nature, noting his high work rate, punching power, and the heart he brings into the ring. “He’s going to pressure Canelo and have him asking questions,” Bradley said, emphasizing that Mbilli’s style could force Canelo into a difficult fight where he would need to adjust and solve the puzzle presented by Mbilli’s constant aggression.
The Potential for a Munguia-Mbilli Showdown
Bradley also mentioned that Top Rank might be setting the stage for a potential clash between Mbilli and Jaime Munguia, provided Munguia emerges victorious in his upcoming fight against Erik Bazinyan on September 20th. A Munguia-Mbilli fight could serve as a final test, with the winner earning the right to challenge Canelo for his belts.
Canelo’s Counter-Punching Style: A Tough Matchup for Mbilli
Despite the praise for Mbilli, Bradley was clear that Canelo’s counter-punching style could be a nightmare for the aggressive Mbilli. He noted that while Mbilli’s pressure could trouble Canelo initially, the Mexican champion’s poise and ability to land powerful counters might prove too much for Mbilli to handle. “Canelo will be strong and poised under all that fire. He’s going to be able to land all those shots, and he might stop him late,” Bradley predicted.
Mbilli’s Path to Victory: A Daunting Task
Bradley concluded by emphasizing that if Mbilli does secure a fight against Canelo, he will need to be extremely cautious. Mbilli’s tendency to lead with his head, as seen in his fight against Derevyanchenko, could leave him vulnerable to Canelo’s devastating power shots. To have any chance of winning, Mbilli must not rely solely on his offense as a form of defense, as that approach is unlikely to succeed against a fighter of Canelo’s caliber.
