Warning Is Not Deterring Canelo From Fighting Oct 31 in Saudi

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) remains committed to his October 31 world title fight against Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) in Riyadh, despite the Mexican government warning its citizens to avoid areas surrounding three Saudi Arabian airports.

Mexico’s embassy issued the advisory on Sunday, urging nationals to stay away from airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam amid concerns about further attacks.

The government warning followed a Houthi-claimed strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday that killed 12 people and injured 309, according to Saudi aviation authorities. Another attack on Sunday reportedly killed one person and injured 11.

Despite the escalating security concerns, organizers maintain that Alvarez intends to challenge Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight championship as scheduled.

“Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing,” event organizer Turki Alalshikh said recently.

Canelo, a four-division world champion, has not independently confirmed his position publicly, and no relocation or postponement has been announced.

The 36-year-old is seeking to reclaim the WBC title after losing his undisputed championship to Terence Crawford in September 2025.

Mbilli was elevated from interim to full WBC champion following Crawford’s retirement. The October 31 contest would mark his first title defense.