Canelo Álvarez to face Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on October 31

Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez is set to return to the ring on October 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title. The event, titled ‘Mexico vs. The World,’ marks Álvarez’s first fight since his September 2025 loss to Terence Crawford.

Ticket sales for the bout at The Venue have launched, with prices ranging from approximately 240 to 2,000 Mexican pesos. While the event offers a more affordable entry point compared to previous fights in Las Vegas, organizers have yet to fully announce the undercard lineup.

Concerns have been raised regarding the anti-doping testing schedule. Reports indicate that the Saudi promoter, Sela, has not yet funded the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) to begin the required testing program for both fighters. Álvarez’s advisor, Richard Schaefer, stated that the boxer is ready and willing to test, suggesting the matter is being handled by Sela.