Turki Alalshikh faces an imminent decision over Canelo Alvarez’s October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli after reports that 12 people were killed and hundreds injured in attacks on Riyadh’s international airport.
With only 20 days remaining, the event is still scheduled to take place in the Saudi capital despite the escalating security situation and warnings from several foreign governments.
The United Kingdom advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, while the United States has urged Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia.
The attacks on King Khalid International Airport have also disrupted flights, creating further uncertainty for the international fighters, trainers, officials and broadcasters expected to attend.
Yet Alalshikh announced the full ten-fight undercard after attacks had already taken place, with no indication that the event would be moved.
Turki Defends Saudi Security
Following the attacks, Alalshikh posted a statement on X, translated from Arabic, mourning those killed and expressing confidence in his country’s security.
“O Allah, protect my homeland with Your eye that never sleeps … O Allah, guide the aim of our heroes … O Allah, have mercy on our martyrs and heal our wounded … May every despicable soul who wishes harm upon the land of the Two Holy Mosques be thwarted … This country is safe and secure from above the seven heavens!”
In another post, he warned that the blood of those killed would not be wasted and that those responsible would pay a heavy price.
His confidence in Saudi Arabia is clear, but the situation facing those expected to travel to Riyadh is considerably less reassuring.
American boxing journalist Dan Rafael shared the US Embassy’s security alert on October 8, adding: “Good luck to those traveling for Canelo vs. Mbilli.”
Fellow boxing podcaster Dan Canobbio was even more direct, writing: “Don’t do it Saul.”
Both reactions reflect concerns about bringing one of boxing’s biggest stars into a city whose international airport has been targeted.
Canelo Fight Must Leave Riyadh
With less than three weeks remaining, Alalshikh’s decision to announce the undercard after attacks had already taken place raises serious concerns for the fighters involved, many of whom may have been assured that Riyadh is safe.
Moving the fight to an alternative venue must now be seriously considered, with the safety of everyone involved taking priority over keeping the event in Riyadh.
WBN reported earlier this month that Las Vegas had been considered as a potential alternative if Riyadh became unavailable.
The subsequent undercard announcement came as the first deaths were being reported, with the situation deteriorating further since then.
Turki’s determination to keep the fight in Riyadh is obvious, but the Saudi matchmaker must surely realize that staging a major international boxing event under these circumstances is not worth the risk.
Canelo and Mbilli have already endured one postponement, and neither should be expected to put their teams in unnecessary danger simply to preserve the location of the event.
Relocating the fight would be another setback, but there is a far greater price to pay if something goes wrong.
With government warnings in place and 12 people dead and hundreds injured, Alalshikh has little time left to make a decision that should now be straightforward.
The fight can go ahead somewhere else. There is no reason it has to be Riyadh. Canelo vs Mbilli in Saudi Arabia must be canceled.
- Phil Jay
