The Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli card may lose a world title fight, and could even be scrapped completely, due to conflict in the Middle East.
Earlier this month, travel to Saudi Arabia became problematic after the King Khalid International Airport – located in Riyadh – came under attack, resulting in one death and injuries to 11 civilians.
It therefore seemed likely that the Canelo-Mbilli event, which is supposed to take place in Riyadh next Saturday, would either be cancelled or postponed.
Even with mounting concerns over travel and safety, however, Mbilli is still set to defend his WBC world super-middleweight title against the Mexican great.
As for the undercard, it has now been reported by boxing journalist Dan Rafael that Lindolfo Delgado, who was scheduled to face Arthur Biyarslanov, is unlikely to arrive in Riyadh.
The two leading contenders had been ordered to meet for the IBF super-lightweight title, which was vacated by Richardson Hitchins after a weight-related debacle caused him to withdraw from fighting Oscar Duarte earlier this year.
Taking to social media, though, Rafael explained that both Delgado and head coach Robert Garcia have no travel arrangements for next week.
“Per source, Lindolfo Delgado, trainer Robert Garcia and the team remain in the US and don’t have travel booked for his vacant IBF 140[lb] title fight [against] Arthur Biyarslanov. Biyarslanov is already [in Riyadh]. Will the fight happen? I was told ‘probably not’.”
NEWS: Per source, Lindolfo Delgado, trainer Robert Garcia & the team remain in the US & don’t have travel booked for his vacant IBF 140 title fight vs. Artur Biyarslanov next Saturday on #CaneloMbilli card in Riyadh. Biyarslanov is already there. Will the fight happen? I was told…
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 24, 2026
Garcia has been vocal about his concerns on the event, worries echoed by many prominent voices in the sport.
It remains to be seen if Biyarslanov will be presented with a replacement opponent or, in fact, whether the event can even still go ahead. Promotion for Canelo’s return remains in full swing.
