Sports · Combat Sports · 2 hrs ago
Canelo Álvarez plans to fight in Riyadh despite deadly airport attacks
Canelo Álvarez is scheduled to challenge unbeaten Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh on 31 October.
Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh says Álvarez told him he still plans to fight there.
The announcement comes after Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
A strike on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to the reports.
Another projectile hit an airport passenger terminal on Sunday, causing further injuries whose number was not immediately known.
The airport was closed, and the US government advised its citizens to avoid it and nearby areas.
The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of international events in Saudi Arabia, which has invested heavily in hosting major sports events.
Álvarez’s fight is scheduled to go ahead on 31 October, but the sources do not say whether security concerns will change the plans.
Canelo Álvarez intends to fight Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on 31 October despite attacks on Saudi airports, according to Saudi official Turki al-Sheikh.
The bout is for the WBC super-middleweight title.
A missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, according to the reports.
A second projectile struck an airport passenger terminal on Sunday, causing further injuries, with no figure immediately reported.
The airport remained closed on Sunday, and the US government urged its citizens to avoid it and nearby areas.
- Who
- Canelo Álvarez plans to fight Christian Mbilli, according to Turki al-Sheikh.
- What
- Álvarez is scheduled to challenge Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title.
- When
- 31 October 2026.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The articles report that Álvarez intends to proceed with the bout despite attacks on Saudi airports. They do not state his reason.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens
He fears nothing.
A missile strike hit Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 300, according to the reports.
A second projectile struck a passenger terminal at the airport, causing further injuries.
Al-Sheikh said Álvarez had assured him he would still fight in Riyadh.
Álvarez is scheduled to challenge Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh.
- Fight date
- 31 October 2026
- Venue
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Title
- WBC super-middleweight championship
- Opponent
- Christian Mbilli
- Saturday airport attack
- At least 12 killed and more than 300 wounded
Sources
Related news
TNA Bound for Glory features Nic Nemeth defending title against Leon Slater
Nico Ali Walsh loses unanimous decision to unbeaten Treavon Craycraft
Serrano and Baszler win TNA Knockouts Tag Team titles
Puerto Rican boxing great Wilfredo Gomez dies at 69
Amazing Red wins TNA X Division title at Bound For Glory
Brendan Allen submits Christian Leroy Duncan in fifth-round UFC main event
Amazing Red Added to TNA Bound For Glory X-Division Title Match
Tommaso Ciampa and Charles Mason Kiss Before Trading Blows at Indie Show
Roman Reigns retains title as The Bloodline and 946 brawl
Will Ospreay and Andrade El Idolo to team on AEW Dynamite
WFI seeks US visa reconsideration for nine Indian U23 wrestlers
