Sebastian Fundora Refuses to Fight in Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Safety Concerns for Canelo Alvarez Bout

Fundora Declines Saudi Arabia Fight as Canelo Alvarez Faces Security Questions

Missile strikes continue to hit Riyadh, casting doubt over the safety of holding major sports events. WBC champion Sebastian Fundora is puzzled that there’s still debate about moving Canelo Alvarez’s October 31 bout out of Saudi Arabia. “It’s way bigger than boxing,” he said.

Saudi Arabia's Role in Hosting Major Boxing Events

In recent years, Saudi Arabia became a key location for big boxing matches. The kingdom hosted two Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk fights in 2023 and 2024, as well as Artur Beterbiev's clashes with Dmitry Bivol. Despite a quieter 2026, Canelo Alvarez is set to fight Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh later this month. Yet, ongoing missile attacks nearby raise serious safety concerns.

Missile Attacks Disrupt Life and Sports in Riyadh

The Houthis, also called Ansar Allah, have targeted airports, oil facilities, and pipelines around Riyadh recently. This has severely impacted daily life and business operations. The annual Six Kings Slam tennis tournament was postponed from late October to December due to logistical challenges tied to these attacks.

Many question the wisdom of athletes competing amid such risks. Still, the Alvarez vs. Mbilli fight remains scheduled for October 31. Industry sources suggest if Saudi Arabia cancels the event, it could owe Alvarez over $50 million. Given the political climate, the kingdom’s finances are strained, making them reluctant to cancel and trigger that payment. Both sides wait to see who will back down first.

Fundora’s Stand on Fighting in Saudi Arabia

Speaking on Uncrowned's The Ariel Helwani Show, Fundora explained why he avoids fighting in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of his own title defense against Ermal Hadribeaj, he said, “Yeah, there’s a reason why I haven’t fought there. I wouldn’t feel comfortable, being American and everything.”

He acknowledged other fighters take those opportunities and wished them well but stressed it isn’t right for him. Even when offered a fight in Saudi Arabia with better pay, Fundora declined. “Absolutely they offered me a fight there,” he said. “But with my mom being a veteran and all the politics involved, it’s just not comfortable. It’s bigger than boxing. Way bigger.”

Fundora added he would refuse a major bout against pound-for-pound star Jaron Boots Ennis in Saudi Arabia if presented.