Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez won the WBC super-middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh. The fight took place despite heightened security due to missile threats from Houthi forces, which led to the cancellation of other events in the city. Álvarez's victory marks a significant comeback after his recent loss to Terence Crawford, improving his record to 64 wins and handing Mbilli his first professional defeat.
The match occurred shortly after missile strikes in Riyadh raised safety concerns, yet Álvarez had committed to proceeding with the fight. This event underscores Saudi Arabia's efforts to position itself as a hub for major sporting events, despite ongoing scrutiny regarding its human rights record and the implications of hosting such high-profile matches under tense circumstances.