‘I love to be in Riyadh’: Canelo Alvarez rejects security fears and retirement talk
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will attempt to roll back the years and dethrone WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli against a backdrop of security concerns in Riyadh. Alvarez returns to the ring on Saturday for the first time in 13 months, having not fought since losing his undisputed 168lb crown to Terence Crawford in September 2025. Despite boasting a Hall of Fame resume and being one of…
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is eager to reclaim his title and continue his boxing career despite security concerns in Riyadh. The Mexican fighter returns to the ring on Saturday after a 13-month hiatus, since his loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025. Holding a Hall of Fame resume, Alvarez has earned $170 million, placing him second on Forbes' list of highest-paid sports figures in 2026.
At 36, Alvarez has amassed 63 wins, three losses, and two draws throughout his 20-year career. His love for the sport is evident in his famous mantra, "no boxing, no life." Despite being set to complete a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh, Alvarez remains determined to fight, with three or four more bouts left on his agreement.
His ultimate goal is to fight in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium before retiring. The decision to hold the fight in Riyadh has drawn criticism due to ongoing Houthi attacks, which have claimed 22 lives and injured 380 people. Nonetheless, Alvarez is undeterred, stating he "fears nothing" and arrived in Riyadh by private jet on October 26, greeted by former heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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