Christian Mbilli and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez made weight for their world title bout in Riyadh just 24 hours after two ballistic missiles were intercepted over the Saudi Arabian capital.
Mbilli, 31, was elevated to WBC super-middleweight champion in January and makes his first defence against Mexico’s Alvarez, 36, on Saturday.
Both fighters tipped the scales at 12st (76kg) before engaging in a tense but respectful face-off.
Alvarez, who will step into the ring for the 69th time on Saturday, made his professional debut almost exactly 21 years ago on 29 October 2005.
“This is very important for me, I’ve been doing this for 21 years and won my first world title 16 years ago. It’s important for me to win a title again,” Alvarez said.
“My experience is different, he hasn’t faced anyone like me and I’ll teach him tomorrow.”
Doubts have been raised in recent weeks about whether the event can take place safely due to the growing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Saudi Arabia.
On Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported the Civil Defence had intercepted two ballistic missiles over Riyadh. A civilian sustained a minor injury and there was damage to a house and vehicle due to falling shrapnel.
Earlier in October, a missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.
Travel arrangements for those attending Saturday’s bout have been complicated by restricted access to the airport.
While other sporting events in Saudi Arabia – including The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, the final round of the 2026 World Rally Championship and the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships – have been cancelled the combat sports world has not followed suit.