Canelo still intends to fight in Riyadh, Turki Alalshikh says

Canelo Álvarez still intends to face Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on October 31 despite attacks on Saudi infrastructure, General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh said on October 11.

The Saudi official said the Mexican boxer had contacted him personally and confirmed his readiness to fight. The statement sets out the fighter’s and organiser’s position, rather than confirming travel safety or guaranteeing that every event arrangement will remain unchanged.

Álvarez is scheduled to challenge for the WBC super-middleweight title. Mbilli is unbeaten as a professional, with 29 wins, including 24 by knockout.

The bout would mark Álvarez’s return after losing to Terence Crawford in September 2025. He has been training in Spain and adjusting his routine to account for the time difference with Saudi Arabia.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked again over the weekend. Against that backdrop, Alalshikh’s statement concerns the intention to proceed with the fight, rather than a final guarantee that the event will take place.