Brian “Bomac” McIntyre has launched a furious attack on Christian Mbilli’s WBC title status, branding the super middleweight champion an “email champion” amid an ongoing dispute over his rise to the belt.
As previously reported by World Boxing News, the handling of the Mbilli vs. Martinez fight had already raised questions over the title situation.
Speaking after Lester Martinez’s latest win over Immanuwel Aleem at the weekend in San Bernardino, McIntyre made it clear he has little respect for how Mbilli became champion and even less interest in any alternative next opponent.
“I don’t give a f*** who’s next. It don’t make no difference. Y’all know who I want,” said McIntyre, speaking to Fight Hub TV.
“I want Mbilli. I want that rematch.”
Mbilli Backlash
McIntyre’s frustration centers on the belief that Mbilli’s title reign was handed to him rather than earned in the ring.
“Guess what? He got an email. Him and Top Rank got an email,” he added.
“How are you going to accept an email belt? That’s — you didn’t even fight for this. He didn’t even try to call anyone out. He just sat there on his side and kept checking his emails for the title. Trash. Trash. Trash.”
The comments reflect criticism from those who believe the WBC super middleweight title picture has not been resolved properly.
Rematch Row
According to McIntyre, his side had no hesitation in agreeing to a second fight with Mbilli, only for the opportunity to disappear.
“We jumped on it right away! When they called me, I told them, ‘Let’s go. Let’s get that rematch.’ But guess who said no?”
Martinez instead rebuilt his position by defeating Immanuwel Aleem on Saturday night to claim the interim version of the belt, keeping his name firmly in contention.
Title Controversy
The situation stems from the handling of the Mbilli vs. Martinez bout on the Canelo vs. Crawford undercard.
Originally scheduled as a twelve-round contest for the title, the fight was reduced to ten rounds at the last minute, a decision that drew criticism even before the opening bell.
“That fight was supposed to be a twelve-round fight for the title. But it went ten. What kind of situation is that? That’s bull****. The same title, but reduced at the last minute.”
In the months that followed, Mbilli was awarded the WBC title despite many observers feeling Martinez had done enough to get the decision if either man deserved the nod.
With no rematch finalized in time, Mbilli was elevated without returning to the ring, further fueling the backlash now being voiced publicly by McIntyre.
Martinez, meanwhile, responded by securing the interim belt against Aleem, positioning himself as the leading challenger.
The WBC had previously indicated a rematch would take place in the coming months after announcing the order last September, but the sanctioning body has often shown flexibility when a major commercial fight is available.
With Saul “Canelo” Alvarez targeting a return for the WBC super middleweight title, still regarded by many as the most coveted belt in the division, a clash with Mbilli appears highly plausible even if not yet officially confirmed.
If that route is taken, Martinez could be left waiting again, potentially for another year given Canelo’s usual schedule, before receiving a shot at either the champion or a vacant title.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
