Canelo Álvarez wins back world title as Houthi attacks cast shadow over Riyadh

1 November 2026 at 02:26

Mexican star wins unanimous decision over Mbilli
Álvarez, 36, regains WBC title after Crawford defeat
Read Bryan Armen Graham’s round-by-round report

Mexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight title with a unanimous-decision victory over the previously unbeaten Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Saturday night.

The fight went ahead at Kingdom Arena despite a week of heightened security concerns in the Saudi capital, where the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted missiles and drones launched by Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Several events in the kingdom were cancelled or postponed, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition.

Canelo Álvarez defeats Christian Mbilli for WBC super-middleweight championship – live reaction

The Guardian

By: Bryan Armen Graham

1 November 2026 at 01:52

Álvarez captures Mbilli’s 168lb title in Riyadh
Mexican star fights for first time since Crawford loss
Reach out to Bryan on Bluesky or by email

Here come the fighters. First it’s Mbilli, entering first despite his status as the champion, wearing a black tee and red trunks. And now after an extended video introduction it’s time for Canelo. It’s a muted, pyrotechnic-free ringwalk by his theatrical standards as he enters surrounded by his team and the recording artist Tito Double P.

Anthem time at Kingdom Arena. First the national anthem of Saudi Arabia, in honor of our hosts. Then La Marseillaise, for Mbilli. Then Himno Nacional Mexicano, for Canelo. The fighters should be making their entrances any moment now.