Canelo Alvarez title fight to proceed in Riyadh despite airport attack

Mexican boxer Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will proceed with his world title bout against Christian M'billi in Riyadh later this month, according to Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh.

The fight will go ahead despite a missile strike on King Fahd International Airport in the Saudi capital on October 12 that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300 others. The attack, attributed to Houthi forces, prompted immediate security concerns about upcoming events in the kingdom.

Al-Sheikh's confirmation signals Saudi Arabia's determination to maintain its high-profile sporting calendar and strengthen its position as a major international events destination. The kingdom has invested heavily in hosting marquee boxing matches and other global sporting competitions in recent years.

The bout between Alvarez, a four-division world champion from Guadalajara, Mexico, and M'billi, a Cameroonian boxer, remains scheduled for later in October. Security arrangements for the event are being reviewed in light of the airport incident.

No further details regarding enhanced security measures or potential modifications to the fight arrangements have been disclosed.