Espinoza Gets New Opponent as Parra Pulled From Canelo-Mbilli Undercard Title Fight

The Canelo Alvarez-Christian Mbilli card in Riyadh has a changed undercard. WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza will defend his belt against Ricardo Blandon on October 31 after the WBO approved the substitution, BoxingScene and MiddleEasy reported on Friday. Lorenzo Parra, the originally announced challenger, was withdrawn after Canelo Promotions informed the WBO that the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission would not authorize his participation under its rules and policies — the announcement gave no medical diagnosis. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said the sanctioning body would authorize Blandon, the organization's No. 15-rated featherweight contender, subject to full medical and regulatory clearance, citing the short notice and the interests of the champion, promoters and fans. The change comes as the Riyadh event faces wider turbulence. BoxingScene reported that tensions between Saudi Arabia and forces in Yemen have fueled calls to postpone or relocate the card, including an October 17 attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, and that the US State Department ordered non-essential embassy staff to leave the country — though event chairman Turki Alalshikh maintains the show will go ahead regardless. The event is set for Kingdom Arena with DAZN carrying the broadcast.