Photo: Vincent Ethier – Over the years, Christian Mbilli hasn’t just won the hearts of Quebecers; he’s become one himself.
Christian Mbilli already has 25 professional fights under his belt, but on January 13, facing Rohan Murdock, it will be his very first as a citizen of the country in which he has fought 13 times: Canada.
“I think that for every immigrant, it’s important to have the nationality of where one lives. It allows for greater rights but also greater responsibilities,” explains the Montrealer, who has been eligible to vote since October 10.
On an autumn day, he took his oath of allegiance and successfully recited the national anthem. Unfortunately, the ceremony was held via video conference, a common practice since the pandemic. Nevertheless, the goal was achieved; Mbilli is officially at home in every sense of the term.
“I feel good here; it’s a beautiful country where people are nice. There’s a beautiful culture, great diversity, and above all, openness… After that, winter, of course, is the slightly more difficult side!” he enumerates with a smile on October 31, the day after the first snowfall, which surprised him as it does every year.
“I Remember”
Come January, “Solid” will celebrate his seventh year in Quebec. However, he won’t be able to indulge in tourtière during the holiday season as more significant festivities await him on January 13. His bout against Rohan Murdock will be featured as the co-main event alongside the world championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith at the Centre Vidéotron, where nearly 10,000 people are expected.
The challenge is substantial. Murdock ranks 9th in the IBF world rankings and has won 27 out of 29 fights. Whether intentionally or not, Christian Mbilli even cites Quebec’s motto when thinking about his opponent. “I remember that he was talked about a lot a few years ago and then he always remained in the rankings. I’ve seen videos of him; he’s a pretty quick opponent, he has very good technical qualities, a somewhat classic boxing style, feinting a lot with his hands down. He’s a guy who likes to put on a show, so I think it’s going to be a very good fight,” supports the #1 contender for the WBC, just starting his preparation in early November at the Ramsay Boxing Academy.
“Welcome Tax”
To quote Canada’s motto, “from sea to sea,” the Australian’s name has traveled around the boxing world. He was associated with Andre Ward and even Erik Bazinyan without it going further. Patiently, he accumulated 22 victories and eventually suffered his only defeat of the decade against Zach Parker, then undefeated, in an eliminator fight. For Murdock, it’s returning to that stage, where in 2020, he was one win away from a world championship fight.
For Mbilli, it’s about reaching that stage because he understands well that for opponents like Canelo, they won’t have a choice but to be obligated to be there. He summarizes this reality very well: “fighting me means getting your face smashed in for not much,” he recently explained to Ouest-France. With two boxers in the same boat, as coach Marc Ramsay confided, the negotiations “didn’t drag on” in view of the January 13 showdown.
However, when that date arrives, the Canadian citizen will put back on his world-class boxer hat. The warm welcome “typical of Quebecers,” the native of the land of kangaroos can forget about that. It’s with fists from Cameroon, forged in France, and sharpened in Canada that Murdock will be welcomed by Mbilli. You know, after over six years in Quebec, his “welcome tax,” as he likes to call it.
The 10 Count
To conclude with culture, Christian Mbilli might not yet be a big hockey fan, but he has several other favorites. His favorite restaurant? Le Monarque, on Saint-Jacques Street in Montreal. The best poutine, according to him, is at Ma Poule Mouillée on the Plateau Mont-Royal. For clothing? The Quebec-based Simons store chain is generally his first choice. And then, to blow off steam, “it’s much better” to curse in Québécois. If you want to hear it, ask him about the most recent snowstorm…
