Canelo Risks Losing Entire 2026 Unless Saudi Fight Leaves Riyadh

World Boxing News editor Phil Jay argues that Canelo Alvarez risks missing all of 2026 unless his WBC super middleweight title challenge against Christian Mbilli is relocated away from Riyadh. The bout was initially moved from October 31 toward a possible December date following deadly attacks on King Khalid International Airport, but Jay maintains that delaying the event does not resolve significant security concerns.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has also urged Turki Alalshikh to move the fight elsewhere, suggesting alternatives like Las Vegas. While Alalshikh claimed Alvarez remains committed to competing in Saudi Arabia, travel warnings from Mexico and ongoing safety issues have put the bout's viability in serious question.