Turki Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez remains committed to his championship boxing match in Riyadh on October 31 despite the recent attacks on the Saudi capital.
Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, posted on Sunday that Alvarez had contacted him following Saturday’s deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport.
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.
Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends.
Alvarez is scheduled to challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight championship on October 31 at The Venue in Riyadh. The “Mexico vs. The World” card is part of Riyadh Season and will air on pay-per-view.
The fight was originally scheduled for September 12 before being postponed after Alvarez said family matters had delayed the start of his training camp. The October date was subsequently confirmed.
It will be Alvarez’s first fight since losing the undisputed super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford by unanimous decision in September 2025. Mbilli was later elevated to full WBC champion following Crawford’s retirement.
Alalshikh has become one of the most influential figures in boxing through Saudi Arabia’s investment in the sport. As head of the General Entertainment Authority, he oversees Riyadh Season and has played a central role in staging major fights including Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk and Alvarez vs. Crawford. He also acquired The Ring magazine in 2024.
The GEA also has a direct and longstanding relationship with WWE. WWE’s Saudi partnership began in 2018, while the company expanded its agreement with the GEA in 2019 to include two large-scale events per year through 2027.
Alalshikh’s latest statement follows a week of attacks on Saudi airports amid renewed fighting between Saudi-backed forces and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
As reported on Saturday, Saudi authorities said at least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike.
The Canelo-Mbilli card is scheduled exactly one week before WWE Crown Jewel on November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium.
WWE and the General Entertainment Authority announced Crown Jewel as part of Riyadh Season in September. WWE and TKO have not announced any change to the event in response to the security situation.
