Overview
- Promoter Turki Alalshikh confirmed on Sept. 29 that Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez will challenge WBC champion Christian Mbilli on Oct. 31 at The Venue in Riyadh with the fight to air on DAZN pay‑per‑view.
- Reporting from BoxingScene and follow‑up outlets says VADA has not been contacted or paid to run anti‑doping testing for the bout and that Saudi entertainment firm SELA has not funded the process.
- Canelo’s adviser Richard Schaefer says Canelo is ready to be tested and that SELA is in contact with VADA, a claim that conflicts with reports that testing arrangements remain unconfirmed.
- Several undercard fights and some fighter contracts — including potential title bouts for Lindolfo Delgado and Rafael Espinoza — have not been finalized or formally offered, leaving the event lineup incomplete.
- The WBC’s Clean‑Boxing rules normally require prearranged VADA testing and Canelo’s 2018 clenbuterol history increases scrutiny, while recent U.S. travel advisories over regional strikes raise the prospect of venue, attendance or regulatory complications.