CAIRO: The “Mexico vs The World” bout between Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez and French WBC super-middleweight world champion Christian Mbilli is set to take place in Riyadh on Sept. 12.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, announced the event, part of Riyadh Season, on Saturday.
The announcement came at a press conference at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt, which featured the first official media appearance and face-off between Alvarez and Mbilli, amid significant international media presence.
Alalshikh expressed his delight at hosting another major boxing event in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia has become a leading destination for the biggest global boxing matches and sporting events, thanks to thesupport received by the Kingdom’s entertainment sector. He also hoped to deliver an exceptional night for boxing fans that reflects the global popularity of both fighters and Riyadh’s leading status in hosting world-class sporting and entertainment events.
Alvarez said of the contest: “After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same; to challenge myself, represent Mexico, and continue building my legacy. Mbilli is undefeated and a great fighter, and I respect that. But my focus is always on my preparation, performance, and giving the fans another great night of boxing. On Sept. 12 in Riyadh, we begin a new chapter with the same discipline, ambition and vision that has carried me throughout my career.”
Mbilli said: “My last fight was the fight of the year. In September, against Canelo Alvarez, it will be the fight of the decade. And when the fight is over, the world will witness a historic victory for me.”
Mexican icon and former undisputed world champion Alvarez returns to Riyadh following a remarkable run in the super-middleweight division, during which he successfully defended his titles nine times over nearly five years of dominance.
The bout also marks one year since Canelo’s clash with Terence Crawford in Las Vegas, which became one of the most-watched boxing events in history, drawing more than 41 million viewers on Netflix.
Mbilli enters the contest as the reigning WBC super-middleweight world champion following his rapid rise through the rankings. He first captured the interim title with a victory over Maciej Sulecki last June before being elevated to full world champion in January.
Mbilli is regarded as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders, maintaining an undefeated professional record and previously appearing on the major Riyadh Season card, “Canelo vs Crawford.”
The fight is part of a series of major international events set to be hosted in Riyadh this year.
