CANELO ÁLVAREZ TO FACE WORLD CHAMPION CHRISTIAN MBILLI IN RIYADH ON 12TH SEPTEMBER

London, May 2026: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh today announced that Canelo
Álvarez will return to the ring on 12th September in Riyadh to face WBC
super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli.

The Mexican legend and former undisputed champion returns to Riyadh with the WBC
title in his sights after a defining run at super-middleweight, including nine successful
defences during a near five-year reign at the top of the division.

The bout 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 WBC champion following his rise through the ranks, having
claimed the interim title with victory over Maciej Sulecki in June before being upgraded
to full champion in January.

Positioning himself as a dangerous contender in the division, Mbilli carries an unbeaten
record and has featured on the major Riyadh Season card, Canelo vs Crawford.
The press conference will take place in Cairo on Saturday 23rd May at 14:00 local time,
giving the media a chance to see Canelo and Mbilli face-off for the first time.
Canelo said: “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

September 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.”’

To apply for press conference accreditation, please fill in the form attached here.

About Riyadh Season
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year
during winter. Since launching in 2019, Riyadh Season has welcomed millions of visitors from
around the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, immersive attractions,
and cultural experiences. The festival has evolved into a global entertainment powerhouse,
hosting international boxing championships, WWE events, tennis tournaments, concerts by
global superstars, comedy festivals, fashion showcases, and many more large-scale events
across the city.

Following the record-breaking success of Riyadh Season 2024, which surpassed 20 million
visitors for the first time, Riyadh Season 2025 continued its rapid growth trajectory, attracting
more than 17 million visitors across its latest edition as Riyadh continues to be one of the
world’s leading entertainment destinations.