Key points:
- Lindolfo Delgado, his trainer Robert Garcia and their team are still in the US with no travel booked for his vacant IBF super lightweight title fight against Arthur Biyarslanov, who is already in Riyadh
- Dan Rafael reports the fight is “probably not” going to happen, and his latest card update lists one title fight as off
- Rafael Espinoza (28-0) will defend his WBO featherweight title against Ricardo Blandon, after Lorenzo Parra was rejected
- The WBO approved Blandon, its No. 15 contender, citing the short notice and the interests of those involved
The Canelo–Mbilli undercard is shrinking before fight week begins.
Delgado’s fight in doubt
Delgado hasn’t flown to Saudi Arabia. “Per source, Delgado, trainer Robert Garcia & the team remain in the US & don’t have travel booked,” Rafael reported. Biyarslanov is already on-site. The US Embassy recently evacuated non-emergency government employees, and there was no word on whether the IBF would sanction a late replacement.
Espinoza’s new opponent
Espinoza’s planned challenger Parra, the WBO’s No. 1 contender, was rejected. The Ring reports “complications” from a medical exam, while BoxingNews24 says the local commission refused to authorise him. The WBO’s advisory doesn’t give a reason. Ricardo Blandon, the WBO’s No. 15, steps in a week out.
What’s still standing
Canelo vs Mbilli (WBC) and Jaime Munguía vs Nikita Zon (WBA) remain on the bill, though the WBA said earlier this month it hadn’t approved the Munguía–Zon fight.