“You’re going to be surprised in September. In September you will regret being in that ring,” said Christian Mbilli during the launch press conference.

“I’m not Berlanga. I’m not Munguia. In September, be ready.

“It’s the perfect timing for me. I know people think this is too big for me, but I know what I can do inside the ring. I have much more to show than the fighters he fought before.”

Canelo dismissed Mbilli’s confidence and made it clear he doesn’t believe the unbeaten Frenchman belongs at his level.

“He’s a good fighter but in my mind it’s 0% chance,” said Canelo Alvarez.

“He says it’s the perfect time because I’m old. I say to him, if I was 50 years old you still cannot beat me. In this life you cannot beat me.

“You will see different things in September. I’m not your opponent who comes to France for you.”

Canelo hasn’t fought since losing his undisputed super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford last year. Crawford later retired, leaving the titles split across the division, with Mbilli ending up in possession of the WBC belt.

The September fight will be the biggest stage of Mbilli’s career by a wide margin, but the unbeaten champion didn’t sound interested in playing the respectful challenger role during the first press conference.