Oscar De La Hoya urges relocation of Canelo-Mbilli fight from Riyadh

Oscar De La Hoya is calling for the relocation or cancellation of the scheduled October 31 boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. De La Hoya cited significant safety concerns following reported attacks on King Khalid International Airport, which he claimed resulted in casualties and heightened threats from missile and drone strikes.

De La Hoya questioned the safety of the event for all personnel, including undercard fighters, trainers, and production crews, suggesting that while the headliner might use private travel, others remain at risk. He also criticized organizers Turki Alalshikh and SELA, alleging they have influenced boxing media coverage.

Despite the security warnings and travel advisories issued by various governments, the fight is currently slated to proceed in Riyadh. The bout, which is for the WBC super middleweight championship, will be broadcast on TV Azteca in Mexico and via DAZN in the United States. Some reports suggest a potential postponement to December, though this would not resolve the underlying security issues in the region.