Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli: Saudi Arabia issues 'hostile aerial threat' warning on fight week

Saudi Arabia issued a "hostile aerial threat" warning in Riyadh on Thursday, just two days before Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Christian Mbilli are scheduled to contest the vacant WBC super middleweight crown in the city.The alert read:"Warning. City of Riyadh is under a hostile aerial threat. Please remain calm, stay indoors or in a safe place away from windows and doors, and follow the instructions of Civil Defense."Locals reported hearing explosions in the capital, according to the Saudi Civil Defense.Just hours later, though, another alert was issued lifting the warning. The Anadolu Agency reported two missiles were fired by the militant organization Ansar Allah, otherwise known as the Houthis, but were intercepted. Riyadh has been targeted by a series of missile and drone attacks over the last few weeks, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport earlier this month that killed at least 12 people and injured over 300.The attacks have disrupted life and business in the city, with airports suffering temporary closures and major sporting events, including the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, being postponed.The U.S. government has advised against all non-essential travel to the kingdom and ordered non-emergency government employees to leave the country.Despite the significant security concerns, Alvarez vs. Mbilli will proceed on Saturday under heavy scrutiny. The undercard suffered a blow on Monday when it was revealed that Lindolfo Delgado — scheduled to fight Arthur Biyarslanov for the IBF super lightweight title — would not be traveling to Riyadh for security reasons and because of the convoluted route he would've had to take.Boxers traveling to the kingdom did not fly directly to King Khalid International Airport. Instead, they flew to an alternative airport and made a five-hour commute on land to Riyadh.Amid concerns from DAZN employees, the event's broadcaster has decided to split its talent between on-site in Riyadh and others at an off-site location, a source close to the situation told Uncrowned.