Canelo, Alalshikh Accused of Financial Standoff Over Riyadh Fight

Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh are accused of a financial standoff over the October 31 fight between Alvarez and Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. The planned bout faces safety questions following deadly attacks on Riyadh’s international airport, which Saudi authorities reported caused fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

Turki Alalshikh stated on social media that Alvarez reached out to say he will still fight in Riyadh in October regardless of the security situation. Ricardo Celis, addressing the financial consequences of canceling the fight, said: “If Canelo cancels, they don’t pay him. If Turki cancels, he has to pay Canelo. We’re in the tug-of-war.”

Canelo Alvarez is scheduled to challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh on October 31. The bout remains on the calendar despite pressure to move it elsewhere.

Alvarez lost to Terence Crawford in September 2025. Other sporting events in Saudi Arabia have already been moved amid the unrest.

Alalshikh said: “Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing.” Moving the contest to another venue is described as the best solution to allow Alvarez and Mbilli to fight without security concerns. A relocation, however, could undermine Saudi Arabia’s image as a safe destination.

Reportedly, Alvarez might end 2026 without another fight if the contest is postponed and the attacks continue.

Oscar De La Hoya criticized the decision to proceed with the fight in Saudi Arabia, stating he would not go there due to the ongoing unrest. De La Hoya said: “There is no way in hell I would be going over there with this s*** going on.”