Who will Christian Mbilli fight next?

CHRISTIAN MBILLI achieved the required minimum score in his litmus test at the weekend.

Ukrainian Sergey Derevyanchenko, a difficult opponent for world-class fighters in the past, was the man who had to ask Mbilli tough questions. Mbilli now has a strong promotional team behind him in Top Rank and on Saturday night in Quebec City he would have delighted Bob Arum with a performance that cemented his place as one of the best super middleweights in the world.

The next test the WBC number one contender will be looking to face is likely to be a far tougher affair, but he will have to wait for unified champion Canelo Alvarez, who has an easier-looking task next month against Edgar Berlanga.

If Mbilli returns before the end of the year, who should he fight? Boxing News presents some options that are worth considering.

Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs)

The Mexican is on his way back after losing his undefeated record to Canelo in May. Munguia was good, but not good enough to topple the king, and was knocked out over the Cinco de Mayo weekend. Munguia returns on September 30 – with new promoter Top Rank behind him – against Erik Bazinyan, a fight Munguia should win by a bit. Mbilli vs. Munguia is an exciting prospect, but for it to happen before the end of the year, Munguia will have to destroy Bazinyan. Chances are Top Rank will be building this up for 2025.

David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade after their fight at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada (David Becker/Getty Images)

Demetrius Andrade (32-1, 19 KOs)

Andrade should have received a medal for bravery when he got to the sixth round against the impressive David Benavidez last November. We have yet to see Andrade's return, but the 36-year-old still has skills that would put Mbilli to the test again. And after what Benavidez did, Mbilli could use that as a benchmark and try to do better than the now light heavyweight challenger.

Plant fought against Canelo three years ago for the undisputed 12th crown.
(Al Bello/Getty Images)

Caleb Plant (22-2, 13 KOs)

Plant has struggled a lot lately without getting in the ring and fighting. Clashes with Ryan Garcia and Jermall Charlo have kept him on YouTube, but let's not forget that Plant is a legitimate contender at super middleweight. The problem is that the division isn't very talented and the former IBF champion may be on the decline. He didn't embarrass himself against Canelo and didn't back down against Benavidez – both losses – and he still has enough to have a chance of beating Mbilli.

What about the British super middleweights?

Chris Eubank Jr was willing to go back to 168 pounds to make millions against Canelo – and who wouldn't – but it never seemed like a realistic proposition. Eubank wondered what he would get out of a fight against Mbilli, a fight we probably won't see unless there's something significant at stake.

Zach Parker could be asked to step in for a year-end dance with Mbilli, in what critics would call a “busy fight.” Parker was unlucky to lose that way to John Ryder in 2022, but the broken right hand has healed and three straight wins, including two this year, have given him some momentum. And there's no question he'd jump at the chance.

Mark Jeffers is hoping to land a blow against European champion Kevin Lele Sadjo, but if that doesn't happen, the Chorley fighter will hope something else worthwhile comes along. The truth is he's a tough prospect for most and last summer he beat former British champion Zak Chelli without playing to his full potential. His Maree Boxing stablemate Mark Jeffers didn't last a full round against Mbilli earlier this year. Jeffers has the potential to do far better, as long as he's given enough time.