​In 1993, Wu-Tang Clan used the backronym C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) to explore the idea that we are all slaves to the dollar and that cash is king. Throughout the song, various members of the group took it in turns to rap about selling drugs or sticking up white boys on ball courts, anything to get by. It was, for all its swaggering energy, a cautionary tale; closer to a lamentation than a celebration. In boxing, the same backronym is applicable. It can be applied not only in its original form, but will make just as much sense if you replace the word “Cash” with “Canelo.” After all, in boxing, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez rules everything around us. He has for some time. For proof of this, consider how the Mexican’s WBC super middleweight title challenge against Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia on Saturday will proceed as planned despite the ongoing missile and drone attacks in Riyadh and the closing of King Khalid International Airport. Consider, too, if only for context, the fact that last Wednesday the U.S. State Department was concerned enough to order non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following a series of deadly attacks by Houthi rebels, which have so far claimed the lives of at least 20 people and injured at least 370. “Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. “The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them.”As expected, several major sporting events in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled due to the recent attacks, including the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, the Saudi International golf tournament, and even a world title fight on Alvarez’s own card. However, the world championship boxing match between Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) and Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs) has somehow stood firm and survived. Not only has Canelo made the trip to Riyadh, but Canelo, according to Turki Alalshikh at least, “fears nothing.”Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing.My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people.Thank you to everyone who checked in…— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 11, 2026True or not, we can be sure of this much: Canelo, now 36 years of age, has not boxed since losing to Terence Crawford 13 months ago and would, in an ideal world, box again after this weekend as soon as February. The reason for that is quite simple. “I want to fight quick, like in February, because I have two fights left in Riyadh,” he told The Ring. “So, I want to fight this one in Riyadh [against Mbilli],