Drug Testing Still Has Not Started for Canelo’s October 31 Title Fight Against Mbilli

The expected bout-specific drug testing program for Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) and Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) has yet to begin, with their WBC super middleweight title fight scheduled for October 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi promoter Sela hasn’t paid the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) to test either fighter, according to reports. Another official subsequently said VADA had not yet been contacted about the bout.

Alvarez adviser Richard Schaefer said the former undisputed super middleweight champion was prepared to undergo testing and had already submitted his whereabouts information.

“Canelo’s ready, willing and able to test,” Schaefer said. “My understanding is Sela’s in touch with [VADA].”

Schaefer also noted that Mbilli is enrolled in the WBC Clean Boxing Program, which requires registered fighters to provide whereabouts information and makes them subject to random testing.

However, enrollment in that program is distinct from the additional testing expected for the October 31 fight. With just over a month remaining, any delay reduces the period available for unannounced, bout-specific tests.

Alvarez served a six-month suspension in 2018 after testing positive for clenbuterol, which he attributed to contaminated meat. Mbilli has never tested positive for a banned substance. The reported delay does not establish wrongdoing by either fighter.

Sela and Turki Alalshikh have also yet to formally announce the October 31 card. Schaefer nevertheless maintained that the fight would proceed.

“Everybody is going to be drug-tested,” Schaefer said. “Canelo is training hard and the fight is going to happen.”