Oscar De La Hoya has launched a furious attack on Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh over their plans to proceed with an upcoming boxing event in Saudi Arabia amid escalating security concerns in the region.
Canelo is scheduled to face Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on October 31, 2026, following an earlier postponement. Despite reports of missile and drone attacks on Saudi infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Alalshikh has indicated that the event remains on track, praising the Mexican superstar for his willingness to travel to the country.
De La Hoya, however, believes the decision overlooks the potential danger facing everyone involved in the event, from fighters and their teams to other members of the traveling contingent.
Oscar De La Hoya Questions Safety Of Canelo Alvarez Fight
The Golden Boy Promotions founder took to social media to criticize the event’s organizers, arguing that Canelo’s willingness to compete does not resolve the broader safety concerns.
Riyadh is under attack. Multiple strikes on King Khalid International Airport earlier this week left 13 dead and more than 300 injured. That airport is closed until further notice. But despite this global news, Turki Alalshikh still thinks Canelo-Mbilli is still gonna happen in two weeks,” De La Hoya said.
He also questioned Alalshikh’s claim that Canelo was unafraid to travel, suggesting the champion’s private travel arrangements could offer protections unavailable to others attending the event.
He says Canelo has no fear. Well, Canelo might not have any fear because he’s flying into a private airport!” De La Hoya added. “But what about everyone else associated with the event?
De La Hoya also expressed disappointment with Canelo, questioning why the former undisputed super middleweight champion had not publicly called for the event to be canceled or moved.
I’m extremely surprised Canelo hasn’t put out a statement canceling this. He’s okay putting people’s lives at risk for this money grab?
The veteran promoter widened his criticism to Alalshikh and Saudi entertainment company Sela, accusing them of trying to shape boxing media coverage to protect their interests.
Turki and SELA, you bought off most of the media in boxing, but you can’t do it with the global news. They’ll tell you the truth about what’s happening over there,” De La Hoya said.
The dispute comes as other major combat sports events are scheduled in Saudi Arabia in the coming months, including WWE Crown Jewel on November 7 and a UFC Fight Night event on December 5. Whether the ongoing security situation will affect those plans remains uncertain.
