The highly anticipated October 31 showdown between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli has faced mounting speculation in recent weeks, with growing concerns that the entire card could be pulled – or at least moved – from Saudi Arabia.

The fight marks Canelo’s return to the ring following his loss to Terence Craford last September – just his third defeat of his career.

He has landed an immediate shot at one of his old belts against Mbilli, who was elevated from interim to full champion when Crawford retired.

Set to headline the Mexico vs The World card at The Venue in Riyadh, the bout has been overshadowed in recent weeks by escalating regional hostilities, including drone strikes near the Saudi capital by Houthi rebels. Today, King Khalid airport was struck again.

The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert on October 5. The advisory cautioned American citizens to remain vigilant, immediately sparking rumours across the boxing world that the event could be abruptly relocated to Las Vegas in November.

There has been silence on the issue from the promotion, and even an official undercard announcement last week.

Today, boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh posted online to confirm that Canelo still wants the event to go ahead.

“Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens.

“He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people.

“Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends.”

Whether or not this encourages fans remains to be seen, with an increasing number still calling for the fight to be moved.

The decision locks in what is arguably the most crucial fight of Canelo’s recent career. After undergoing elbow surgery early this year, it is a must-win for Alvarez, who has hopes of becoming undisputed once more before retiring.

Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, the Puerto Rican three-division world champion whose 17 successful super bantamweight title defenses all ended by knockout, died Saturday, October 10, at age 69.

His son, Wilfredo Gomez Jr., confirmed his death to Telemundo Puerto Rico, which reported that Gomez had spent approximately two weeks hospitalized with respiratory complications. He died around 9 p.m., with the family expected to release further details Sunday.

Gomez’s place in boxing history rests most firmly on his extraordinary run at 122 pounds. He finished his career with a 44-3-1 record and 42 knockouts, winning world titles at super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight. He entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.

Born in San Juan on October 29, 1956, Gomez represented Puerto Rico at the 1972 Munich Olympics and won amateur world championship gold in Havana in 1974. His professional championship career began in May 1977, when he recovered from an early knockdown to stop Dong Kyun Yum in the 12th round for the WBC super bantamweight title.

The nickname “Bazooka” suited his punching power, but Gomez brought more than heavy hands. His combinations, timing, and ability to create openings made him dangerous against opponents who could punch themselves.

Carlos Zarate discovered that in October 1978. The Mexican bantamweight champion entered their fight with 52 victories, no defeats, and 51 knockouts. Gomez stopped him in five rounds, producing one of the defining victories of his career and a memorable chapter in the Puerto Rico–Mexico rivalry.

His December 1982 fight with Lupe Pintor showed another side of his greatness. With his eyes swollen and his energy fading, Gomez had to keep fighting through a punishing contest in New Orleans. He stopped Pintor in the 14th round, completing his 17th successful defense at 122 pounds. That victory required endurance and courage alongside the power that had made him famous.

Moving through the divisions also brought defeats. Salvador Sanchez handed Gomez his first professional loss in 1981. Gomez nevertheless went on to win championships at 126 and 130 pounds, adding to a career already exceptional for his dominance at super bantamweight.

The knockout totals explain part of his legacy. The Zarate and Pintor fights explain the rest: Gomez could overwhelm an elite puncher or survive a brutal struggle long enough to finish it. Both remain essential viewing for anyone discovering the fighter behind the “Bazooka” name.

Floyd Schofield captured the vacant WBA lightweight title against Lucas Bahdi on Saturday night, but his uneven performance looked nothing like the explosive first-round finish he produced against Tevin Farmer well over a year ago.

Schofield (20-0, 13 KOs) won a unanimous decision at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, with scores of 116-110, 119-108, and 115-111. Bahdi (20-1, 15 KOs) supplied enough heavy punches and difficult moments to make that 119-108 card look particularly generous.

The long layoff appeared to show in Schofield’s timing and decision-making. His hand speed remained an advantage, but he alternated between sharp boxing and wild attacks that left him available for Bahdi’s counters. Against Farmer, everything ended before those weaknesses could be tested. Bahdi stayed around and kept testing them.

Schofield started well behind his jab, using quick combinations and lateral movement to make Bahdi chase. A third-round left hook sent Bahdi into the ropes for a knockdown, giving Schofield an early cushion.

That success did not lead to a comfortable night. Bahdi’s body punching and heavier shots kept him competitive, and the sixth round became a dangerous firefight. Schofield was badly rocked but answered with his own punches, showing toughness while taking risks he could have avoided.

His better work came when he returned to boxing. Bahdi struggled to cut off the ring consistently, allowing Schofield to score and move before the heavier return shots arrived.

The ninth brought controversy when Schofield’s knee touched the canvas after a Bahdi right hand without a knockdown being called. Bahdi received an official knockdown in the eleventh, although their feet tangled as Schofield went down.

Schofield used movement to negotiate the final round and secure the belt. He deserved credit for surviving the rough stretches, but winning a title should not obscure an untidy return.

Another lengthy absence would hardly help: he needs regular rounds to sharpen his timing and learn when to stop trading.