Saudi official says Canelo Álvarez will still fight in Riyadh after deadly airport attack

Turki al-Sheikh, a Saudi government official and influential figure in boxing, said in a social media post on Sunday that Canelo Álvarez had contacted him. According to the post, Álvarez will still fight in Riyadh in October. The Guardian and ESPN both report the post. ESPN spells his name Alalshikh.

Álvarez, 36, is scheduled to challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh on 31 October.

The post followed an attack on Saturday on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Guardian and ESPN report at least 12 people killed and more than 300 injured. ESPN presents the toll as reported. Neither outlet names the source of the figures.

According to the Saudi-led military coalition, a second projectile struck a passenger terminal at the airport on Sunday. It caused further injuries. No figure was given.

The US government has urged American citizens to avoid the airport. ESPN quoted a US security alert as saying the government "strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas."

According to ESPN, Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out Saturday's attack. The Guardian reports that the Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on airports and energy facilities across Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have also warned airlines and travellers against entering Saudi airspace, according to The Guardian. The Guardian describes Saturday's strike as a missile strike and as the deadliest attack on a Gulf Arab country since the outbreak of the war with Iran.

According to The Guardian, India's embassy reported that an Indian citizen died from injuries sustained on Saturday. The Guardian says this could raise the death toll to 13. The newspaper also reports that the airport remained closed on Sunday and that several international airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia.

Álvarez has a record of 63 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts. Mbilli is unbeaten at 29-0, with 24 knockouts. The bout would be Álvarez's first since losing to Terence Crawford on a decision in September 2025. The Guardian reports that it was a unanimous decision. Álvarez previously fought in Riyadh in May 2025.

What each side says

Al-Sheikh wrote: "Canelo reached out and told me he'll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing." He also described Saudi Arabia as a "land of peace, safety", according to The Guardian.

According to The Guardian, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he is considering action against the Houthis. Trump also said he plans to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the newspaper reports.

Álvarez spoke on a Zoom call with The Guardian and other reporters on Tuesday, before the attacks. He said: "I don't know how many more fights. I don't know because I feel really good."

What is not known

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include any statement from Álvarez or his team after the attacks. They do not include comment from Mbilli, the WBC or the promoters. They also do not describe any security arrangements for the event.

Analysis

The fight's status currently rests on one account: al-Sheikh's post. A direct statement from Álvarez, his team, Mbilli, the WBC or the promoters would confirm or qualify it. Several factors could shape what happens next. These include the airport's reopening, airline decisions and any US action against the Houthis. Further security assessments could also play a role. One scenario is that the bout proceeds as planned with added security. Another is a delay or a change of venue. For Saudi Arabia, the event is part of a wider calendar of high-profile gatherings. How it is handled may affect perceptions of the kingdom as a host.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.