Canelo title fight with Mbilli still set for Riyadh despite conflict

Canelo Alvarez's fight with Christian Mbilli for the WBC title is still set to go ahead in Riyadh on October 31; Riyadh's airport was bombed earlier this month and other sports events in Riyadh have been postponed; But Mbilli's promoter said: "I'm very confident the fight goes ahead"

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Canelo Alvarez still remains on course to fight Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the WBC super-middleweight title on October 31.

Riyadh's King Khalid airport has been bombed in recent days during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The UK government is warning against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, the US advises citizens to reconsider travel there.

Despite those risks the show currently looks set to go ahead.

Mbilli isn't backing down. His promoter Camille Estephan told Sky Sports : "Christian will arrive in Saudi as planned.

"I'm very confident the fight goes ahead and Mbilli will keep his belt and dethrone Canelo, God willing."

It's a significant fight for Canelo. It will be his first bout since Terence Crawford defeated him in a spectacular performance in 2025.

When Crawford retired the super-middleweight titles scattered.

Canada's Mbilli is undefeated, winning the WBC interim 168lb belt when he beat Maciej Sulecki. He retained the strap when he drew with Lester Martinez last year. He was then upgraded to full world championship status when Crawford vacated the title.

Mexican superstar Canelo, looking to come back with a win and reclaim his old title, has boxed in Riyadh once before, a unanimous points win over William Scull.

Other sports events, like tennis' Six Kings Slam, that were due to take place in Riyadh have been postponed.