On Tuesday at around 12:30 p.m. Montreal time (6:30 p.m. in France), Christian Mbilli will take the oath of naturalization. He will take part in the ceremony as the only Frenchman listed by the four world federations (number 1 WBC, 2 WBA, 4 IBF, 6 WBO in super middleweight, – 76.203 kg, where the world champion is the Mexican Canelo Alvarez). .. video conferences.
“Since the pandemic it has been taking place online, regrets the young Frenchman (28 years old, 1.74 m, 25 wins, including 21 before the limit, 0 defeats). It’s safe, it’s less prestigious. At the scheduled time, I need to connect to the Government of Canada website and enter my credentials. I will swear an oath in front of an official before cutting up my permanent residence card with scissors. One or two weeks later I receive my naturalization certificate. And then I can apply for my Canadian passport. »
Mbilli became European Youth Champion at 75kg in 2013 and France in 2015, Olympic quarter-finalist in 2016 and turned professional in Canada in February 2017. He settled in Montreal. However, he did not lose contact with France and fought seven fights there.
“When I first arrived in Montreal, I never imagined that I would be naturalized as a Canadian. he agrees. I emerged from the cocoon of INSEP and discovered my adult life in Quebec at the age of 21. I’ve gotten used to Montreal and I think my career after my career will be here. This naturalization ceremony is a relief, a big step for an emigrant. Complete integration. »
“Of course I remain French”
Mbilli, who continues to come regularly to France, where his parents and sister live, will therefore have dual citizenship. “Of course I remain French, he confirms. The main reason I become Canadian is to be able to enjoy all my rights as a citizen, such as participating in political life. At an administrative level, I no longer have to take the steps to renew my residence card. With a Canadian passport I can enter the USA without a visa or Esta. »
Before becoming French, Mbilli was Cameroonian. He was born on April 26, 1995 in Yaoundé and moved to France at the age of eleven to live with his mother, who had just married a Frenchman. “This gentleman adopted me, he explains. That’s why my full name is Mbilli Assomo Hallier. When I was 15, I became a naturalized citizen so I could join the French team. And I lost Cameroonian nationality because Cameroon does not recognize dual nationality. »
While he waits for his Canadian passport to be issued, Mbilli will soon travel to Cameroon in French. “I promised my mother that I would go on vacation with her, he agrees. Unfortunately, I never returned to Cameroon. »
The most promising French boxer will then resume training for his next fight on January 13th at the Videotron Center (20,000 seats) in Quebec. He will face his official challenger, Englishman Callum Smith, this evening at the same time as his teammate, WBC-WBO-IBF light heavyweight world champion Canadian Artur Beterbiev. “My coaches told me that I would be competing against a serious opponent, Mbilli is happy, because it will be a big meeting. »
Twitter enthusiast. Organizer. Explorer. Reader. Zombie aficionado. Tv specialist. Thinker. Incurable internet maven.