Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli still on as RAF jets defend Saudi Arabia
The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, where Alvarez is due to challenge Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title on 31 October.
Post by @ringmagazine on X
RAF Typhoon fighter jets will fly defensive missions over Saudi Arabia against missile and drone attacks from Yemen's Houthi movement, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday, eleven days before Canelo Alvarez is due to challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh.
The Typhoons will help protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure but will not carry out offensive strikes against the Houthis, the Ministry of Defence said. Britain is also sending an A400M transport aircraft and military advisers to strengthen Saudi defences.
The deployment follows deadly attacks on Saudi territory, including a strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October. The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, and the United States has a Level 3 advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. Other international organisers have postponed their Saudi engagements, but the WBC and TKO have kept their Riyadh events on the calendar.
It is not clear what security assurances Saudi authorities have given fighters, officials and their teams.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed he intends to be ringside on 31 October, while acknowledging the concerns around the event. Sulaiman said: “We must not be concerned, sports are a white flag of peace.” He added: “In the past, there have been situations that have put sports events in jeopardy, but I am sure that October 31st will be a great success in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.” TKO also has Saudi events scheduled through WWE and Zuffa Boxing. WWE Crown Jewel is set for Riyadh on 7 November, and Zuffa Boxing is preparing a November event involving WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, who has signed with the promotion. The WBC has approved Adames for a non-title fight on 17 November.
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