Undercard results so far
Our live updates will begin shortly! First, here are the undercard results so far:
Carl Jammes Martin def. David Picasso via split decision
Bek Nurmaganbet def. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez via first-round KO
Brayan Leon def. Hector Aguirre via unanimous decision
Emiliano Rojo def. Flavius Biea via fourth-round TKO
Sultan Almohammed vs Erick Jahir Urvina Villegas via unanimous decision
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 18:00
Is Canelo still one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best fighters?
“For years, the Mexican was the face of boxing, courtesy of wins against Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Billy Joe Saunders, Jermell Charlo and many more.
“Detractors will point to the 36-year-old’s clenbuterol episode in 2018 and controversial scorecards in a few of his wins. Supporters will give more credence to Canelo’s admirable level of activity and his great number of formidable foes.
“A title holder in four weight classes, including a two-time undisputed king at super-middleweight, the Mexican is a true icon of modern boxing.”
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:55
Looking back at Canelo’s last fight
Canelo last boxed 13 months ago, when he was comprehensively outclassed by generational great Terence Crawford.
The Independent was present at Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium to see Crawford take the undisputed super-middleweight belts from Canelo – with the career-defining win marking Crawford’s last bout before retirement.
Here’s how the American overcame a large, natural weight disparity to make history, as the modern era’s only three-weight undisputed king:
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:47
Why is Canelo boxing in Riyadh? True fight has been against common sense
Preview from earlier this week:
What? Oh, the missiles. Hmm. But £41.85 is a pretty good price for the upper tier; it’s a small venue, so you’ll have a clear view of the ring, provided no part of the roof collapses onto it amid Houthi fire.
I might be struggling to convince you. That’s fine, some people have just enough of a taste for violence that they’ll watch two boxers lay heavy leather into welting skin (I’ll avert my gaze and raise my hand), but they draw the line at travelling to an active warzone to watch the action. To each their own.
In all seriousness, sarcasm can convey the ridiculousness of the decision to push ahead with Saturday’s sporting event, but it shouldn’t belie the danger at hand…
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:38
The controversy around the fights, explained
The organisation of this fight card had been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, due to numerous deadly attacks on Riyadh’s airports. Per Saudi authorities, more than 300 people have been left injured and at least 21 dead, due to strikes by the Yemen-aligned Houthis.
The international airport was reopened, but the US Department of State urged citizens to “reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting”, while areas near the Yemen border were listed as such: “do not travel due to terrorism”.
Despite these attacks, Saudi adviser and boxing matchmaker Turki Alalshikh continued to promote the fight, and he tweeted earlier this month, “[Canelo] fears nothing,” adding: “My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilisation, deep history and kind-hearted people.” Canelo arrived in Riyadh on Monday and said in a video on Alalshikh’s X account: “I love to be here in Riyadh, and I’m excited to fight on Saturday.”
However, one undercard bout was cancelled, as first reported by journalist Dan Rafael, who said Lindolfo Delgado would “probably not” face Arthur Biyarslanov; Delgado and his team had reportedly not made travel plans, although Biyarslanov had already arrived in Riyadh. Rafael also said that broadcaster DAZN would likely present the event from a studio in London.
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:31
Odds for tonight’s main event
Christian Mbilli during his draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo vs Crawford undercard (Getty)
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:24
Canelo vs Mbilli full fight card tonight
Subject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion:
Christian Mbilli (C) vs Canelo Alvarez (vacant WBC super-middleweight title)
Jaime Munguia vs Nikita Zon (super-middleweight)
Rafael Espinoza (C) vs Ricardo Blandon (WBO featherweight title)
David Picasso vs Carl Jammes Martin (featherweight)
Reito Tsutsumi vs Raymundo Rojas Garcia (super-featherweight)
Bek Nurmaganbet vs Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (super-middleweight)
Brayan Leon vs Hector Aguirre (super-middleweight)
Emiliano Rojo vs Flavius Biea (middleweight)
Sultan Almohammed vs Erick Jahir Urvina Villegas (super-featherweight)
(Reuters)
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:18
How to watch tonight’s title fight
DAZN will stream tonight’s fights (Getty)
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Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:13
Canelo vs Mbilli timings tonight
Canelo vs Mbilli takes place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tonight.
The main card recently began, with main-event ring walks expected at around 8.30pm GMT (1.30pm PT / 3.30pm CT / 4.30pm ET).
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:08
Canelo vs Mbilli LIVE: Welcome!
Mbilli was the interim WBC super-middleweight champion until Crawford retired in December, at which point the unbeaten Cameroon was elevated.
A loss for Canelo here could signal the start of the end, for a fighter who has long been the face of boxing. How much does he have left? Follow live updates and results right here.
Alex Pattle31 October 2026 17:04
