Mbilli is a strong pusher who works at a constant pace, accepts trades, and keeps moving forward even when the fight is down. He does not wait for opportunities or cooperation. He takes it. Berto’s point is that this type of opponent removes choice from the equation and turns every round into a physical necessity.
Mbilli was 30, unbeaten, and scored in a volume designed to wear down the opposition. He fights at short range and forces trades whether the other fighter wants it or not. He creates opportunities through the crowd and pushes the opponent out of rhythm. That approach lines up well, argued Berto, with the image Alvarez saw against Crawford, where his movement dropped, his feet slow as the round progressed.
Alvarez is 35. Strength has been a constant question in recent fights, and it came up again in September. Berto believes that going straight to a top opponent will make that issue the focus of the fight rather than something that can be controlled. There will be little chance of a reset. Less room for speed control. Chances of return are slim.
“Is this the type of fighter Canelo wants to come out of this loss?” Berto said while talking to him The Ring. “Mbilli is dangerous, and he is cruel. He will not care about your health, and he will not care about his health, that is the worst thing.”
Instead, Berto pointed to Hamzah Sheeraz as a smarter step. Sheeraz is undefeated and highly regarded at super middleweight, but his style is higher, more precise, and less breathless. Berto sees this as a fight where Alvarez can set the distance, find his timing, and see where he lands to the body without being drawn into a strong tower.
“I think the Sheeraz fight is the perfect fight for him,” said Berto.
Mbilli may hold the interim WBC title, but Berto’s warning is about timing, not guarantees. For a fighter coming off a clear loss, some fights can provide opportunities to get back in shape. Others need immediate answers. Mbilli will need them from the opening bell, and Berto believes that this is why his decision is wrong now.