Canelo Álvarez regains WBC super-middleweight title in Riyadh amid Houthi attacks

Canelo Reclaims WBC Title Amid Riyadh Missile Threat

Canelo fought and won his title despite two ballistic missiles being intercepted over Riyadh just days earlier. The 36-year-old Mexican edged Christian Mbilli by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110. It marked Canelo's 64th career victory. It was his 69th professional bout and his first fight without a world belt since 2015. Mbilli entered the match with a 29-win, one-draw record, though another source listed him as unbeaten in 31 fights. The bout went ahead at Kingdom Arena. It happened even after the Saudi-led coalition warned of Houthi-launched missiles and drones targeting the city. Canelo said, "It feels like my first title, I'm so proud," echoing his earlier triumph sixteen years ago. The win restores his WBC super-middleweight crown and sets up his next comeback step.