Riyadh Aerial Threat Alert Lifted Two Days Before Canelo-Mbilli; Press Conference Goes Ahead

Fight week in Riyadh got a jolt on Thursday that had nothing to do with boxing, and then, about 20 minutes later, it was back to boxing.

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense issued a "hostile aerial threat" warning for Riyadh on Thursday, two days before Canelo Alvarez challenges Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title at Kingdom Arena on Oct. 31. The phone alert told residents to "remain calm, stay indoors or in a safe place away from windows and doors, and follow the instructions of Civil Defense," according to BoxingScene.

Arab News reported that two ballistic missiles fired by the Houthi militia in Yemen toward Riyadh were "intercepted and destroyed," according to the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. Civil Defense, which had also issued warnings for Najran and Al-Kharj, announced the danger had passed about 20 minutes later. Ajel News reported that Civil Defense asked residents to keep following safety instructions and not to photograph or share interception sites.

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The alert comes after a missile strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport on Oct. 10 that killed 13 travelers and injured more than 300, per Arab News.

Thursday's final press conference went ahead as planned, and DAZN streamed it live. BoxingScene reported that nine fights remain scheduled, and a source at the scene told the outlet there is little concern among locals.

Fightnews reported the fight-night officials: referee Hector Afu, with judges Barry Lindenman, Jorge Gorrini and Guido Cavalleri. Ring walks for the main event are estimated for about 4:30 p.m. ET.

The Kimster's read

The card has already lost one fight to these worries, when Lindolfo Delgado chose not to travel. Everyone else showed up, sat at the dais and talked about the fight. For now, the show is still on. Canelo has made a career of tuning out noise; Mbilli, making his first WBC defense, has to do the same.

Our earlier coverage: Delgado's withdrawal, Robert Garcia on pulling Delgado, questions over Delgado's pullout, the U.S. order for non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia, and our Canelo-Mbilli preview.