Canelo Alvarez Stays on Riyadh Card Despite Airport Attacks

Despite a series of attacks targeting Riyadh's airport, organizers are continuing preparations for the October 31 boxing event featuring Canelo Álvarez and Christian M'Billi in Saudi Arabia. Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, said Álvarez remains committed to challenging for the WBC super middleweight title as the city faces security concerns.

According to The New York Times, Al-Sheikh confirmed the boxer's intentions in a social media post on October 11, following attacks that disrupted operations at King Khalid International Airport. The event, titled Mexico vs. The World, is planned as part of Riyadh Season 2026.

Al-Sheikh described his communication with the Mexican fighter and expressed confidence in the event's continuation.

"Canelo reached out and told me he'll 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 civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people." Al-Sheikh wrote on X.

The New York Times reported that a strike on Saturday hit a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport, prompting a temporary suspension of operations. Saudi officials said the attack killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, while another attack struck the airport on Sunday. The Houthi militia in Yemen claimed responsibility and warned airlines against using Saudi airports.

Sources familiar with Álvarez's team's plans told The Athletic that preparations for the fight remain underway. Sources familiar with DAZN's plans also said the broadcaster intends to cover the event from Riyadh. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

The October 31 card has expanded beyond its main event, with three additional world title contests announced, according to Sportsnaut on October 9. Álvarez, whose professional record stands at 62 wins, three losses and two draws, including 39 knockouts, will attempt to reclaim the WBC super middleweight championship after losing to Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. He previously made nine successful title defenses at 168 pounds.

M'Billi enters the main event with 29 wins, no losses and one draw, including 24 knockouts. The Montreal-based Cameroonian-French boxer became the full WBC champion in January after winning the interim title against Maciej Sulecki in June 2025.

The co-main event will feature WBA super middleweight champion Jaime Munguia against Russia's Nikita Zon. Munguia, who holds a record of 46 wins and two losses, won the championship against Armando Reséndiz by unanimous decision on May 2. Zon enters with 12 wins, no losses and one draw, including 10 knockouts, and earned the opportunity after stopping Nahuel Gonzalo García in the fifth round on May 30.

Rafael Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight title against Venezuela's Lorenzo Parra. Sportsnaut lists Espinoza with an unbeaten record of 28 wins, including 24 knockouts, while Parra has 24 wins, one loss and one draw, with 18 knockouts. Espinoza is scheduled to make the fifth defense of his title after stopping Arnold Khegai in the 11th round on November 15.

Mexico's Lindolfo Delgado will face Arthur Biyarslanov for the vacant IBF super lightweight title. Delgado has 24 wins, including 16 knockouts, while Biyarslanov has 21 wins, including 17 knockouts. The belt became vacant after Richardson Hitchins moved up to welterweight in April.

The undercard also includes David Picasso against Carl Jammes Martin at super bantamweight, Reito Tsutsumi against Raymundo Rojas at super featherweight, and Sultan Almohammed against Erick Villegas in another super featherweight contest. The four championship bouts are scheduled for October 31 alongside the Álvarez-M'Billi main event.