Saul “Canelo” Alvarez faced off against William Scull on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season. This highly anticipated bout was for the undisputed super middleweight title, with Alvarez looking to reclaim his IBF title that was stripped in 2024. The event marked a significant moment in Alvarez's career, as it was his first professional fight outside North America.
The undercard kicked off at 12am BST (4pm PT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET), with the main event ring walks for Canelo vs. Scull expected around 6am Sunday, May 4, in Riyadh, which translates to 4am BST, 11pm ET on Saturday, and 8pm PT on Saturday. Fans were able to watch the fight live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, with prices set at $59.99 in the US, £21.99 in the UK, and €21.99 in Ireland. There was also a DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle available, which included both the Canelo vs. Scull and Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight cards for $90 in the US, £34.99 in the UK, and €34.99 in Europe.
Canelo Alvarez, boasting an impressive record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, dismissed Scull’s pre-fight trash talk, stating, “He’s going to eat punches, that’s what he’s going to eat.” Speaking to iFL TV, Alvarez added, “That motivates myself – fighting in another country. I feel great about it. This fight is very important to me. I never take anything easy.”
In contrast, William Scull, who entered the ring with an undefeated record of 23-0, was brimming with confidence. He declared, “I’m here to win and that’s it. I’m going to eat him. Now, I’m focused on what I have to do. I’m very excited because I’m here to shut some mouths and do what I have to do.” Scull's bold statements added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The full fight card for the night included several exciting bouts beyond the main event. Notable matchups featured Jaime Munguia taking on Bruno Surace in a super middleweight clash, Martin Bakole facing Efe Ajagba in a heavyweight bout, and Badou Jack squaring off against Norair Mikaeljan for the WBC cruiserweight title. Additionally, Marco Verde made his professional debut against Michel Polina in the light middleweight division, while Brayan Leon battled Aaron Guerrero in a middleweight contest.
As the event unfolded, fans were treated to a night filled with action and drama. Canelo’s quest to regain his title was not just about the belts; it was a test of his resilience and skill against a rising star in Scull. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere in Riyadh was electric, with fans from around the world tuning in to witness the showdown.
DAZN, the official broadcaster for the event, provided global access to the fight, ensuring that boxing enthusiasts could catch all the action live. Viewers in the US needed a DAZN subscription, which costs $29.99 per month on a flexible pass or $19.99 per month with an annual contract. The UK PPV fee was set at £21.99, with subscriptions costing £24.99 per month (month-to-month) or £14.99 per month (annual). This accessibility made it easier for fans to follow their favorite fighters, regardless of their location.
As the ring walks approached, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Canelo’s reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world was on the line, and Scull’s undefeated record added an element of unpredictability. The fight was not just a title bout; it was a clash of styles, experience versus youth, and a chance for Scull to make a name for himself on the biggest stage.
The narrative surrounding this fight was compelling. Canelo, a seasoned champion, had faced numerous challenges throughout his illustrious career, while Scull was looking to capitalize on his moment in the spotlight. Fans were eager to see if Canelo could prove his dominance once again or if Scull would pull off a monumental upset.
As the event unfolded, discussions among fans and analysts centered on the implications of the fight. Would Canelo reclaim his IBF title and solidify his status as the undisputed champion? Or would Scull’s bold predictions come true, marking a new chapter in his career? The excitement was palpable, and the boxing world was watching closely.
In conclusion, the Canelo vs. Scull fight was not just about the titles on the line; it was a testament to the spirit of boxing. Fans witnessed a clash of determination, skill, and ambition, as both fighters entered the ring with something to prove. With the fight now in the books, boxing enthusiasts are left to ponder the outcomes and the future trajectories of both fighters.
