Sebastian Fundora Refuses to Fight in Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Safety Concerns Around Canelo Alvarez Bout
Fundora Opts Out of Saudi Arabia Fights as Tensions Escalate
Missile strikes continue over Riyadh, stirring doubts about Canelo Alvarez’s scheduled October 31 fight in the kingdom. The WBC champion Sebastian Fundora expressed bewilderment that there’s even talk of relocating Alvarez’s match, saying, "It's way bigger than boxing."
Saudi Arabia's Growing Role in Boxing
Saudi Arabia hosted some major boxing events in recent years, including two bouts between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in 2023 and 2024, along with key fights featuring Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Despite fewer events this year, Canelo Alvarez is set to return to Riyadh to defend his WBC super middleweight title against Christian Mbilli.
Security Threats Cast Shadow Over Upcoming Fight
The militant group Ansar Allah, known as the Houthis, has been launching attacks on Riyadh's airports, oil fields, and critical infrastructure lately. This has disrupted daily life and business, forcing delays like the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament being postponed from October to December.
Amidst these ongoing assaults, many worry athletes are putting their safety at risk by competing there. Yet, the Alvarez vs. Mbilli fight remains on the calendar. Sources suggest if the bout is canceled, Saudi Arabia might owe Alvarez a $50 million payout. Given current political and financial strains, the kingdom appears reluctant to call off the event, leading to a standoff over who will back down first.
Fundora Shares His Standpoint on Fighting in Saudi Arabia
Speaking on Uncrowned’s The Ariel Helwani Show, WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora revealed why he avoids fighting in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of his defense against Ermal Hadribeaj, Fundora said, "There’s a reason why I haven’t fought in Saudi Arabia. I wouldn’t feel comfortable, me being American and everything like that."
He acknowledged other fighters take those opportunities but for him, it isn’t realistic. Fundora confirmed he has turned down offers from Saudi promoters despite higher pay. "Absolutely, they offered me a fight in Saudi Arabia," he said. "But with my mother being a veteran and all the politics involved, it’s just not comfortable. It’s bigger than boxing. Way bigger than boxing."
Fundora also stated that even if offered, he wouldn't agree to face pound-for-pound contender Jaron 'Boots' Ennis in a high-profile Saudi event.
