Mexico has warned its citizens to avoid areas around three Saudi Arabian airports following deadly missile attacks, as Canelo Alvarez prepares to fight in Riyadh on October 31 despite the worsening security situation.
The Mexican embassy issued its warning on Sunday, advising nationals to stay away from areas surrounding the international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
The alert followed an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, October 10, which killed 12 people and injured 309 others, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.
A further attack on Sunday reportedly left another person dead and 11 injured, adding to concerns over the safety of air travel into the Saudi capital.
Canelo is scheduled to challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title at ANB Arena in Riyadh on October 31, with the event now less than three weeks away.
Mexico Issues Airport Warning
Mexico’s embassy warned of the possibility of further attacks and urged citizens to monitor official security information.
Mexicans were advised to check flights directly with airlines, watch for emergency alerts, keep important documents accessible and seek shelter if danger arises.
The warning specifically included areas around Riyadh’s international airport, although the Mexican government has not called for the boxing event to be canceled.
Reports of flight disruption have raised concerns about travel arrangements, although there is no confirmation that anyone involved in the boxing event has been affected.
Further disruption could complicate travel for fighters, their teams and supporters planning to attend the October 31 event.
Canelo Refuses to Back Down
Earlier on Monday, World Boxing News reported that Canelo remained determined to face Mbilli despite the escalating violence.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh said the Mexican superstar had contacted him personally to confirm his commitment.
“Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens,” Alalshikh stated.
“He fears nothing.”
The declaration came amid reports from The Wall Street Journal that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had been moving between heavily guarded palaces equipped with bunkers as security concerns intensified.
Canelo’s reported determination to proceed has now taken on added significance following the warning from his own country’s embassy.
Mexico is advising its citizens to avoid areas around the airport serving the city where its most recognizable boxer is due to compete.
Riyadh Fight Still Scheduled
Canelo, 36, has not fought since losing his undisputed super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford in September 2025.
His return against Mbilli represents an opportunity to reclaim the WBC title, with the unbeaten champion standing between him and another world championship reign.
However, the security situation has become an unavoidable part of the build-up.
The reported airport attacks have added to concerns surrounding Canelo vs Mbilli, particularly with international travel potentially affected.
For now, the October 31 event remains scheduled, even as Mexico warns its citizens to stay away from areas around the airport through which many would ordinarily enter Riyadh.
Canelo is preparing to fight for another world championship in Riyadh despite his own government’s warnings about the threat of further attacks near the city’s airport.
Whether the security situation will affect attendance remains uncertain.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
0 Comments