Canelo dismisses criticism of Riyadh fight: 'I came to win a world title'
Ahead of Saturday's WBC title fight against Mbilli, Canelo shrugs off criticism of Saudi Arabia as the venue. He wants to fight again soon afterwards but is not naming plans yet.
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Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez is unmoved by the debate over his fight in Riyadh. "I came to fight for a world championship, to win a world championship," he said in interviews with Claro Sports and Azteca Deportes, according to Infobae. To win the title he would go "wherever and however it has to be". Many people talk and speculate, Álvarez said – but as long as nobody tells him it can't happen, that's that.
On Wednesday evening Álvarez and WBC champion Christian Mbilli made their official appearance in Riyadh to open fight week; according to TV Azteca, the Mexican was greeted by mariachi music. The press conference is scheduled for Thursday, with the weigh-in on Friday. According to Boxing Insider, Saudi Civil Defense reported on Tuesday that debris from two intercepted missiles caused damage in Riyadh, with no injuries. The promoter is pressing ahead with the fight.
Álvarez is keeping his future plans vague: "I want to go fight by fight," he said, according to Infobae. "After this one we'll see what comes next, but I would like to fight soon." According to Infobae, the Mbilli fight is the third of four agreed with Turki Alalshikh, with the fourth planned for February 2027.