Slightly than speaking about mandatories or the mechanics of a primary defence, Mbilli centered on opponent worth. He named Saul Alvarez, Jaime Munguia, Caleb Plant, and Edgar Berlanga as targets. The message was easy. His subsequent combat must raise his profile, not simply add one other defence to his report.
That admission says extra about Mbilli’s place than the title improve itself. After years close to the highest of the rankings, he has reached champion standing with out changing into a draw. The WBC belt confirms his place within the division. It doesn’t drive the division to reply to him.
In sensible phrases, the elevation could have value him leverage. As interim champion, Mbilli was connected to an obligation. As a full champion, he enters a voluntary window and waits for an opponent who good points one thing by going through him. The fighters he talked about don’t want him in the identical manner he wants them.
The one combat that might settle questions stays on maintain. A rematch with Lester Martinez, who fought Mbilli to a draw, has been pushed again in favour of a much bigger title. Mbilli acknowledged the bout is prone to occur later, however not now.
That selection displays the bind he’s in. A Martinez rematch brings danger with out including profile, whereas the names he’s chasing carry profile with out obligation.
Mbilli didn’t attempt to soften that actuality. He mentioned it plainly. He holds a world title and nonetheless has to promote himself.
The belt is actual, however recognition has not adopted. Till that adjustments, Mbilli’s title reign begins from a ready posture quite than one among management.
