Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) has arrived in Riyadh ahead of his October 31 fight against Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs), although the event has lost one of its scheduled world championship bouts amid security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
Alvarez, 36, landed Monday ahead of his challenge for Mbilli’s WBC super middleweight title at Kingdom Arena. “I feel great,” Canelo said upon arrival. “I can’t wait to step in the ring.”
Canelo’s event arrives at a time in which tensions in the region have escalated following intensified fighting between a Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, with repeated drone and missile attacks targeting Riyadh’s main airport and other infrastructure.
Unbeaten boxer Lindolfo Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs) has reportedly withdrawn from his fight against Artur Biyarslanov (21-0, 17 KOs) for the vacant IBF super lightweight title. The withdrawal follows concerns raised by Delgado’s trainer, Robert Garcia, about traveling to Saudi Arabia following recent drone and missile attacks.
Delgado and his team remained in the United States without confirmed travel arrangements even though Biyarslanov had reportedly already arrived in Riyadh.
It is unclear if organizers will arrange a replacement opponent for Biyarslanov.
The event is proceeding despite security concerns that have prompted the cancellation or postponement of other sporting events in Saudi Arabia, from tennis to golf.