Turki Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli will go ahead in Riyadh

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez told him he will fight Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on October 31 'no matter what happens' amid security concerns in the region.

Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 31 "no matter what happens", according to Turki Alalshikh, BoxingScene reported on October 12. The WBC super middleweight title fight has been the subject of growing speculation about a possible cancellation amid escalating violence in the Middle East.

Alalshikh's message

Alalshikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and the driving force behind the kingdom's boxing events, posted on social media that Alvarez had contacted him directly.

"Canelo reached out and told me he'll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens," Alalshikh wrote. "He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history and kind-hearted people. Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends."

Alvarez himself has not been quoted directly in the reports; the statement comes from Alalshikh's account of their conversation.

Security concerns

BoxingScene reported that on Sunday, a day after a missile attack killed 13 people and injured more than 300, a projectile struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. According to the outlet, the attacks have raised fears that more countries could be drawn into the conflict in Yemen, and many within boxing have expressed concern about staging the fight under such circumstances.

The fighters

Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) has not fought since losing all four of his super middleweight titles to Terence Crawford 13 months ago. Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) has also been out since September 2025, when he drew with Lester Martinez on the Crawford vs Alvarez undercard. The unbeaten Canadian-based contender was later elevated to WBC champion after Crawford relinquished the title in December.

A win would return Alvarez to world champion status at 168 pounds, while Mbilli is seeking the biggest victory of his career in his first defense of the green belt.

No official change to the date or venue has been announced. Any update on the event's status would be expected from the organisers in the coming weeks.