Alalshikh Says Alvarez Will Fight in Riyadh on October 31

Turki Alalshikh said Canelo Alvarez intends to fight Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on October 31, despite recent attacks and serious concerns about safety and travel in Saudi Arabia. The commitment has not been independently confirmed by Alvarez or his representatives, and the security conditions that will apply on fight week remain unknown. Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, said on social media that Alvarez had contacted him and said he would proceed with the bout regardless of the surrounding situation. The fight is scheduled for Riyadh, where Mbilli is set to defend his WBC super middleweight title. Alalshikh also praised Alvarez and thanked people who had expressed support. The reported assurance followed a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday. Reuters reported at least 12 people killed and more than 300 wounded. India’s embassy later said an Indian citizen injured in the strike had died, potentially raising the death toll to 13. A second projectile hit an airport passenger terminal on Sunday, according to the Saudi-led military coalition, which reported further injuries without immediately providing a number.