Instead of talking about forcing or the mechanics of the first line of defence, Mbili focuses on the value of the opponent. He listed Saul Alvarez, Jaime Munguia, Caleb Plant and Edgar Berlanga as targets. The message is simple. His next game will need to bolster his profile, not just add another defense to his record.

This admission says more about Mbili’s status than the title upgrade itself. After being on top for many years, he reached championship status without a draw. The WBC belt confirms his status in the division. It does not force the department to respond to him.

In fact, the promotion may make him lose influence. As interim champion, Mbili has an obligation. As an official champion, he enters a voluntary window, waiting for an opponent who has something to gain by facing him. The warriors he mentioned didn’t need him as much as he needed them.

A fight that could resolve the issue remains on hold. Lester Martinez’s rematch with Mbili’s draw has been postponed in favor of a bigger name. Mbili admitted the game could happen at a later date, but not now.

This choice reflects his predicament. Martinez’s rematch brings risk but no added publicity, while the name he’s chasing brings publicity but no obligation.

Mbili makes no attempt to soften this reality. He put it bluntly. He has a world title but still needs to market himself.

The belt was real, but people didn’t recognize it. Until that changes, Mbili’s title reign begins with a stance of waiting rather than one of control.