Christian Mbilli now finds himself one win away from a dream: becoming the WBC world champion. Yet here’s the irony — he was already an interim champion. So why does he still need to fight for the “regular” belt?
For many fans, it makes no sense. And honestly, we get it.
So let’s break this down.
When “interim” doesn’t mean what people think
In the public’s mind, an interim champion is the natural substitute for the regular champion.
If the reigning champion loses his status, it seems logical that the interim champion would automatically be elevated. Right?
Not with the WBC.
Their rules are clear:
An interim title exists to keep a division active when the champion is unavailable.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli
But the interim champion is not automatically promoted if the regular belt becomes vacant. The WBC reserves the right to decide how that vacancy is filled.
And that’s exactly what’s happening to Christian Mbilli.
Despite being interim champ, he must face Hamzah Sheeraz to claim the regular belt for real. A mandatory step — even if many feel Mbilli had already earned it.
Why did the belt become vacant? Terence Crawford
The WBC super-middleweight title belonged to Terence Crawford.
But Crawford chose not to pay the sanctioning fees required by the WBC for his fights.
These fees are the dues fighters pay so the title can officially be on the line. Usually, it’s not a big issue. But in this case, Crawford refused.
Why?
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Terence Crawford
Because he claimed the WBC was asking for an amount three times higher than what other organizations had requested.
For a fighter who has spent his career defending independence from sanctioning bodies, that was unacceptable.
The result:
The WBC stripped Crawford.
The title became vacant.
And it’s Mbilli vs. Sheeraz who must now fill the void.
The Don José Sulaimán Boxers Fund — noble idea, but with grey zones
To justify the high fees, WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán explained that 75% of the money requested from Crawford would go to the Don José Sulaimán Boxers Fund — a charity meant to help retired boxers in need.
On paper, it’s a wonderful initiative — and one I fully support.
In a sport where so many warriors finish their careers broken, forgotten, or financially vulnerable, giving back to them is essential.
But here’s where boxers become suspicious:
It has to be done transparently.
Photo: Reyes Boxing – Jose and Mauricio Sulaiman
When millions are collected through sanctioning fees:
What percentage actually reaches retired fighters?
How much is absorbed by operations, events, or marketing campaigns?
Who oversees it? Who audits it? Who ensures accountability?
It’s perfectly reasonable to want to support retired fighters — I’m 100% in favor of it.
But in a business where transparency is rarer than world title fights, asking questions is not only normal — it’s necessary. I’m not accusing anyone; I’m trying to understand so we can better promote the sport.
Mbilli, caught in an imperfect system — but still in control of his fate
This system, where an interim champion isn’t automatically promoted, can feel arbitrary, frustrating… even outdated.
But there’s another way to see it:
Mbilli now has the chance to win a world title in undeniable fashion — no debate, no asterisk.
Against a strong opponent like Hamzah Sheeraz, he’ll have the opportunity to prove once again why he’s one of the most explosive fighters on the planet.
In a perfect world, he might already have the belt around his waist.
But since nothing is perfect, he’ll have to win it a second time.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Christian Mbilli
Why this conversation matters
Because fans deserve clarity.
Because fighters deserve to know where their money goes.
Because sanctioning bodies must be accountable for their decisions.
Because charitable funds meant for retired fighters are vital — but must operate transparently.
And above all:
Because Christian Mbilli is a living example of everything that’s great about boxing — and of the complications created by its structures.
Conclusion
Between the WBC’s rules, sanctioning fees, Crawford’s removal, transparency concerns, and the mission to help retired fighters, it’s easy for the average fan to get lost.
But one thing is simple:
Christian Mbilli has never been closer to becoming world champion (if he isn’t already… in our hearts).
And this fight against Sheeraz might be the one that changes his life — and places him exactly where so many believe he deserves to be.
