Canelo Alvarez takes back the WBC super-middleweight title 13 months after losing to Crawford

Canelo Alvarez is a world champion again. The 36-year-old Mexican outpointed Christian Mbilli on Saturday to take the WBC super-middleweight title, landing scorecards of 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 after 13 months out of the ring following his loss to Terence Crawford.

The scores included a docked point for Mbilli in round eight, after the Cameroonian champion landed one low blow too many for the referee's liking, but Alvarez would have won comfortably regardless. He started fast and at times matched the volume punching of the 31-year-old Mbilli, who is known for his unrelenting activity.

Alvarez varied his shots well, connecting with hard right hooks early and mixing in uppercuts as the fight wore on. It was a more energetic performance than fans have seen from him in recent outings.

Back on top after an emotional year

The victory restores Alvarez to super-middleweight gold after he lost his undisputed status against Crawford last year. Crawford claimed all the major belts before retiring from boxing in December, at which point Mbilli's interim WBC belt was upgraded. Mbilli's first defence of the official title ended in disappointment on Saturday.

Alvarez was visibly emotional afterwards. "It's so difficult to explain [my emotions]," he said. "It's something unbelievable."

"This feels like my first title, now after 21 years as a professional; 16 years ago I won my first title, now I won the title again. I'm so proud, so proud of my team. [They] made me the champion I am."

Asked if anything about Mbilli surprised him, Alvarez was blunt: "No. I knew he's a strong fighter, and he didn't throw a lot of punches because it's difficult to throw punches with me. I did perfectly."