Canelo Álvarez wins back world title as Houthi attacks cast shadow over Riyadh

Mexican star wins unanimous decision over MbilliÁlvarez, 36, regains WBC title after Crawford defeatRead Bryan Armen Graham’s round-by-round reportMexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight title with a unanimous-decision victory over the previously unbeaten Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Saturday night.The fight went ahead at Kingdom Arena despite a week of heightened security concerns in the Saudi capital, where the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted missiles and drones launched by Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Several events in the kingdom were cancelled or postponed, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition. Continue reading…

Canelo Álvarez regained the WBC super-middleweight title with a unanimous-decision win over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh despite regional security concerns Mexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez reclaimed the WBC super-middleweight title with a unanimous-decision victory over the previously unbeaten Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Saturday night. The fight went ahead at Kingdom Arena despite a week of heightened security concerns in the Saudi capital, where the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted missiles and drones launched by Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Several events in the kingdom were cancelled or postponed, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition.

Álvarez, 36, fighting for the first time in more than a year, relied on his trademark counter-punching and precise body shots to overcome the aggressive French champion and re-establish himself among boxing’s elite. The judges scored the contest 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 in favor of the Mexican. (The Guardian had it 117-110.) “It’s something unbelievable. It feels like my first title. Now, after 21 years as a professional, 16