Dozens of missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and allies have been happening this month, including multiple strikes at the Riyadh airport, which killed over a dozen people and injured hundreds more. Just this Thursday, Aden’s Palace and presidential complex was also bombed, with five casualties and more injured.
Despite the on-going conflict with the Houthis that resulted in several bombings in and around Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh is bullish on pushing through with his upcoming
boxing event in the country. Canelo Alvarez is scheduled to face Christian Mbilli in two weeks, on October 31, 2026, and Alalshikh was complimenting the Mexican’s lack of “fear” about flying into the country.
“Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing,” Turki wrote on social media. “My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people.”
Longtime boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya then called out both Alvarez and Alalshikh for this, calling it a selfish move for money.
“Riyadh is under attack. Multiple strikes on King Khalid International Airport earlier this week left 13 dead and more than 300 injured. That airport is closed until further notice. But despite this global news, Turki Alalshikh still thinks Canelo-Mbilli is still gonna happen in two weeks,” De La Hoya said on social media.
“He says Canelo has no fear. Well Canelo might not have any fear because he’s flying into a private airport!” he said. “But what about everyone else associated with the event? They’re scared s—tless. How is this event not canceled? It’s a f—king enormous safety concern.
“I’m extremely surprised Canelo hasn’t put out a statement canceling this. He’s okay putting people’s lives as risk for this money grab? Look, Riyadh already moved the tennis event that was scheduled for next week. So do the right thing and move this event.”
De La Hoya also called out Alalshikh’s attempts to control the combat sports media in his rant.
“Turki and SELA, you bought off most of the media in boxing but you can’t do it with the global news. They’ll tell you the truth about what’s happening over there,” he said. “Remember when you sent me that weak a— cease-and-desist over clap back? At this point, you’ll have to send one to the BBC, to the AP Wire, CNN and the rest of the world outlets to spin your narrative.
“You spent billions of dollars trying to convince everyone it’s totally safe to travel to Riyadh and then this s— happens. Stop pushing your agenda on people. Value human life and safety over your financial interests.”
Canelo vs. Mbilli was already postponed once, as it was originally planned for September 12, which may have contributed to the parties’ hesitance to move it again.
Outside of boxing, TKO may also be affected by the on-going conflict in the region. WWE’s Crown Jewel event is scheduled for Saudi Arabia on November 7, while UFC also has an event there on December 5. UFC Saudi Arabia’s headliner is reportedly being targeted to be the return of Israel Adesanya against a fellow flashy striker.
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