Security in Riyadh: trainer Robert Garcia says Canelo’s camp is better protected
Robert Garcia, trainer of Lindolfo Delgado, fears unequal treatment when travelling to Canelo vs Mbilli. Delgado fights for an IBF title on the undercard.
Symbolic image · Photo: B.alotaby / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Ahead of Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez’s fight with Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on 31 October, trainer Robert Garcia is calling for more security for his team. His fighter Lindolfo Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs) faces Arthur Biyarslanov (21-0, 17 KOs) on the undercard for the vacant IBF super lightweight title.
Speaking to Elie Seckbach of ESNEWS, Garcia said, according to Boxing News 24, that he expects Canelo’s camp to fly private with security while his own team flies commercial through a public airport. “Canelo’s fight might happen because, like I told you, he’s secured. Not us. We’re not secured.” If everyone travelled together, it would be fine, “but I don’t think that’s the case”.
According to MiddleEasy, Garcia did not announce Delgado’s withdrawal. The US State Department has rated Saudi Arabia Level 3 (‘reconsider travel’) since 12 October; the card remains scheduled.