Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has reaffirmed his commitment to fight Christian M’Billi in Riyadh later this month despite growing security concerns following a deadly attack in Saudi Arabia.
Saul Canelo Alvarez has confirmed that he will compete in the world title clash against Christian M’Billi in the scheduled boxing fight this month in Saudi Arabia, according to promoter Turki โAl-Sheikh. The confirmation came after the event was in danger of postponement or even cancellation after the attack in the kingdom on Saturday.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a vicious strike at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, leaving 12 people dead and over 300 injured. The attack is said to be one of the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in over a decade, with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement claiming responsibility for the attack.
Travelling to Saudi Arabia has become riskier following the latest attack by Houthis on Sunday, which injured a dozen people and killed one. But Alvarez remains unfazed and is ready to defend his title.
Alvarez extends support to Riyadh
On ‘X‘ (Formerly Twitter), promoter Al-Sheikh revealed that Alvarez had reached out to him and confirmed he will fight in Riyadh this month, irrespective of what happens in the country. He also thanked the Mexican boxer for his support in such strenuous times.
More from Sports“Canelo reached out and told me heโll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilisation, deep history, and kind-hearted people. Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends,” the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s โGeneral Entertainment โAuthority wrote.
Canelo’s return on the cards
Alvarez is set to be in action against WBC super-middleweight champion M’Billi in October, and it is expected to be one of the biggest boxing fights of the modern era with the gold on the line.
The Mexican fighter and former two-time undisputed super-middleweight champion will be in action for the first time since September 2025, when he was defeated by American boxer Terence Crawford.
The Alvarez-Mbilli clash for the WBC super middleweight title will take place at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 31, 2026.