Sheeraz, who is preparing for his own vacant WBO title fight against Alem Begic later this month, does not believe Mbilli’s pressure style will trouble the Mexican veteran.

“I believe that he knocks Mbilli out within six rounds,” Sheeraz told The Ring.

“Styles make fights at the end of the day.

“No disrespect to Mbilli; great champion, great fighter, but I believe that Canelo knocks him out within six rounds, only because styles make fights.”

Mbilli has built a reputation as one of the division’s most aggressive fighters, but questions remain about how he will react against a counter-puncher with Canelo’s experience and timing.

Canelo is also expected to enter the fight highly motivated after suffering one of the biggest defeats of his career against Crawford. The 35-year-old has already watched Jaime Munguia capture the WBA title and Osleys Iglesias win the IBF belt since his loss last year.

Sheeraz-Begic is scheduled for the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven undercard later this month on May 23. A victory for Sheeraz could eventually place him into the super middleweight title picture alongside Canelo and Mbilli.

Mbilli is unbeaten at 29-0 and has overwhelmed most opponents with pressure and punch volume, but he has never faced a fighter with Canelo’s combination of counter punching, durability, and experience at the elite level. The reported September fight would also represent the biggest event of Mbilli’s career and his first appearance in a true stadium-level main event.