Former Olympian and super-middleweight contender Christian Mbilli made an impressive start to 2024, featuring prominently on the undercard to the light-heavyweight encounter between unified light-heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith.
Beterbiev dominated and took the plaudits in Quebec City, however, the 38-year-old was not the only one to leave the event with praise ringing in his ears.
Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) produced an action-packed showing against Rohan Murdock (27-3, 19 KOs), with those in attendance at the Videotron Centre embroiled in the contest. Ultimately, Mbilli claimed a sixth-round stoppage, solidifying his credentials as a leading contender at 168lbs.
The French-Cameroonian enjoyed a breakthrough 2023, which was launched with a Fight of the Year contest with Carlos Gongora in March. Mbilli was rocked, wobbled, battled and bruised early in the contest against the tricky Ecuadorian, with the pair ultimately slugging it out in the eighth round, which was widely nominated for a Round of the Year. Mbilli followed that with a more straightforward contest against Demond Nicholson, halting Nicholson inside four.
Mbilli now hopes to muscle in on the major players at super-middleweight and he is keeping a close eye on the January 27 bout between Jamie Munguia and John Ryder in Phoenix.
“I’m ready for everyone,” Mbilli told a group of reporters. “Munguia… John Ryder… I’m ready.”
However, not to be complacent, Mbilli has vowed to be ready for when the phone rings by staying in the gym.
“I’m going to train, I’m going to fight. I’m going to wait my time. I’m ready for everybody.”
