Canelo and Mbilli make weight in Riyadh amid security concerns

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Christian Mbilli both made weight in Riyadh on Friday, with their WBC super-middleweight title contest still scheduled despite security concerns in the Saudi capital. BBC Sport reported that the weigh-in took place a day after two ballistic missiles were intercepted over the city. Both boxers registered 12st, or 76kg, before facing each other on stage.

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The security situation has disrupted preparations for the event. According to the BBC's account of a Saudi Press Agency report, Thursday's interceptions left one civilian with a minor injury, while falling shrapnel damaged a house and a vehicle. The BBC also reported that an earlier October missile attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and injured more than 300. Restricted access to the airport has complicated travel for people attending the boxing.

The BBC said the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was advising against all but essential travel throughout Saudi Arabia. Other sports have already cancelled events in the country, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, the final round of the 2026 World Rally Championship and the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships. The boxing programme, however, had continued through Friday's weigh-in, which opened with a Mariachi band's performance.

For Alvarez, the event marks a return after his September 2025 defeat by Terence Crawford. The 36-year-old Mexican, a world champion in four weight divisions, is due to make his 69th professional appearance. He began his professional career on 29 October 2005. According to the BBC, Saturday's bout will be his first since 2015 without a world title already in his possession.

Mbilli, 31, was elevated to WBC champion in January and is making his first defence. Born in Cameroon and based in Canada for training, he remains unbeaten across 30 professional contests. His record comprises 29 wins and one draw, with 24 victories achieved inside the distance.

The card has also undergone a separate change. Mexican boxer Lindolfo Delgado withdrew earlier in the week from his scheduled contest with Artur Biyarslanov for the vacant IBF light-welterweight championship. The BBC reported that Jaime Munguia's WBA super-middleweight defence against Nikita Zon and Rafael Espinoza's WBO featherweight defence against Ricardo Blandon remained on the programme.