Christian Mbilli set his sights on a title fight with Canelo Alvarez after defeating Rohan Murdock on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old Cameroonian retained his WBC Continental and WBA International titles with a sixth-round stoppage victory in Canada.
The win was his 22nd from 26 fights, and he remained unbeaten.
In the fifth round, the difference in class was so apparent that Murdock’s corner was ready to throw in the towel, and in the sixth a powerful flurry from the champion forced their hand.
Mbilli said, “Tonight I sent a message. I am the future of the division. That’s what the message was today.
“Murdock is strong. He took all of my good punches. But for me, I thought I would finish him in one more round. But his team ended the fight. He’s a good fighter, but I’m the best today.”
Like most of the division’s fighters, a match-up with Canelo would not just be a lucrative fight, but also the chance to win all four belts at 168lbs.
He added: “Canelo is the best. Everyone knows that. But now I want to show that I’m the best in the division. My goal is to fight him. I would do anything to fight him.”
Canelo last fought in September 2023 to defeat Jermell Charlo, and is yet to announce his next move.