Nakisa Bidarian believes Canelo Alvarez could lose his purse if he withdraws from the October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, but might still get paid if the organizers cancel. His theory offers a financial explanation for Canelo’s commitment to fighting despite the security concerns.

“My read: Canelo is due a lot of money. If he pulls out he is no longer due that money. If the event is cancelled he is probably also due that money. Tough situation,” said Bidarian on X.

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo remains committed to fighting Mbilli in Riyadh following deadly attacks on the city’s international airport. Reuters reported that a Saturday strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with another attack on Sunday killing one person.

Bidarian’s reading gives Canelo’s willingness to proceed another possible explanation beyond the “he fears nothing” message. Under that theory, Canelo could protect his payday by remaining ready to fight and letting the organizers decide whether the event can proceed.

That would put Canelo in an awkward position. He could have concerns about traveling without wanting to formally withdraw and potentially give up a huge purse. Saying he’s available would make financial sense even if he privately preferred a postponement or a different location.

However, Bidarian hasn’t presented Canelo’s contract or identified a cancellation clause. His wording makes clear that this is his interpretation. Whether Canelo would receive payment after a cancellation remains unconfirmed.

His post also doesn’t establish that money is driving Canelo’s decision. But the public declaration that he’ll fight tells us little about the contractual consequences of refusing to travel.

There’s also an entire card to consider. Canelo saying he’s willing to fight doesn’t settle the safety and travel questions facing Mbilli, the undercard fighters, their trainers, and the event staff. They all have to get there, prepare, and work through fight week.

The organizers still have to explain how they intend to stage the event safely. Canelo’s commitment gives them a willing headliner. It doesn’t answer those questions.

David Benavidez looks to become a three-belt cruiserweight world champion in December, but whilst many fans hope to see him face Jai Opetaia in the fight that follows, there is another world champion whom ‘The Mexican Monster’ could potentially meet in 2027.

An official announcement is expected imminently for a December 5 showdown between Benavidez and WBC cruiserweight champion Michael Cieslak – with Opetaia mandated to take on the victor of that contest.

Meanwhile, another Benavidez target, Dmitry Bivol, is poised to take on Callum Smith on December 12 and then partake in a rubber match with Artur Beterbiev in Russia in 2027.

However, speaking with Inside The RingBenavidez revealed that Beterbiev has reached out to his team for a shot at cruiserweight honours, before confirming that he will give the 41-year-old Canadian-Russian exactly ‘what he wants’.

“Beterbiev has definitely reached out to our team and he has been actively trying to make that fight. So, we are going to give him exactly what he wants.

“I respect Beterbiev, he is like 45 years old so the fact that he is calling me out is why I have a lot of respect for him!

“That is a great fight for the public.”

Beterbiev hasn’t fought since he came up short in his undisputed light heavyweight title rematch with Bivol in February 2025, and could now look to move up to 200lbs in a bid to get active once again.

As for Opetaia, his mandatory position could be negated if his lawsuit against the IBF is successful and he is reinstated as their world champion, or if the winner of Benavidez-Cieslak decides to vacate the WBC world title during the aftermath.

However, should the Aussie be reinstated as a three-time IBF cruiserweight world champion, Benavidez would presumably still pursue the fight in a bid to fulfil his dream of becoming undisputed at cruiserweight.

Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson are reportedly in negotiations ahead of a potential showdown in November, and newly-crowned WBA lightweight champion Floyd Schofield, who has sparred both men, has cast his verdict on how the fight may play out.

Last week, WBO welterweight world champion Haney and WBO super-lightweight titleholder Stevenson publicly agreed to a 145lb catchweight affair after weeks of back and forth on social media.

It is understood that, should it happen, Haney’s world title would be up for grabs and that no rehydration clause would be included in the fight contract – something which Stevenson had been keen for when they were last in talks for a clash.

Speaking with Sean ZittelSchofield – who defeated Lucas Bahdi to get his hands on the WBA 135lb world title on Saturday – admitted that he is favouring Haney to come out on top.

“We would have to wait and see on fight night. I think that there is different things that both of them do good, I feel like it would just be a real technical fight.

“I think that I would favour Devin because, even though he is not a crazy power-puncher, we have seen how he was able to put Brian Norman Jr. on the floor – that is something we haven’t seen before.

“The reach, the size, the boxing skill [makes me favour Devin].”

It is believed that the target fight date for Haney-Stevenson is Saturday, November 28in Atlanta, for what could be one of the biggest boxing events of the 2026 calendar.