Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has once again etched his name into the annals of boxing history, becoming a two-time undisputed super-middleweight champion on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after a decisive victory over William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout marked a significant milestone for Alvarez, as it was his first international fight outside of Mexico and the United States, showcasing his prowess on a global stage.
The judges scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109 in favor of Alvarez, although the first score was seen as somewhat generous to Scull, who adopted a cautious approach throughout the match. The Cuban fighter focused on evading Alvarez's attacks, often reluctant to engage in meaningful exchanges, which frustrated the Mexican icon.
Canelo, 34, relied on powerful body shots and effective stalking to control the pace of the fight, ultimately handing Scull, 32, his first professional loss. With this victory, Alvarez added the IBF title to his already impressive collection, which includes the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts. This triumph not only solidified his status in the boxing world but also set the stage for a highly anticipated clash with fellow pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford.
Looking ahead, the fight against Crawford is tentatively scheduled for September 12, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This matchup promises to be a significant highlight of the boxing calendar, as Crawford, 37, will be stepping up to challenge Alvarez for his super-middleweight titles, marking a career-high weight for Crawford, who is best known for his achievements in the super-lightweight and welterweight divisions.
After the fight, Crawford made a dramatic entrance into the ring to confront Alvarez, fueling excitement among fans and media alike. "I’m feeling great, I’m feeling blessed, everything’s happened for a reason. September, I’m gonna show the world what greatness looks like," Crawford declared, setting the tone for their upcoming showdown.
Canelo's victory was not just a personal achievement; it was also a statement for Mexican boxing. Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a prominent venue for international boxing events, and Alvarez's fight was part of a broader effort to improve the record of Mexican fighters in the region. Historically, Mexican boxers have struggled in Saudi Arabia, with only three wins out of eleven fights recorded, alongside six losses and two draws.
Alvarez's promoter, Turki Alalshikh, expressed optimism about the future of boxing in Saudi Arabia, noting that Canelo's presence was a significant step toward breaking the streak of disappointing results for Mexican fighters in the kingdom. The event featured not only Alvarez but also several other Mexican fighters, including Aaron Rocha Guerrero, Marco Verde, and Jaime Munguía, who were all looking to elevate the tricolor flag in the international boxing arena.
As the fight unfolded, Canelo expressed his frustration with Scull's defensive tactics, stating, "That’s why I don’t like to fight those kinds of guys, they come just to survive, just to do the 12 rounds. I hope September brings another kind of fight. With tonight’s kind of fight, anything can be said by the judges. For me, it’s a boring fight. A fighter doesn’t try to win, they just try to survive." His candid remarks highlighted the challenges that come with facing opponents who prioritize defense over offense.
Despite the lack of excitement in the match, Alvarez's victory was a crucial step in his career, reaffirming his status as one of the premier fighters in the sport today. His ability to adapt and overcome the challenges presented by Scull speaks volumes about his experience and skill inside the ring.
Looking forward, the upcoming bout against Crawford is generating significant buzz, with fans eager to see how Alvarez will fare against another elite competitor. The anticipation for this match is palpable, as both fighters bring unique strengths and styles to the ring.
Alvarez's journey to reclaim his status as the undisputed champion has captivated boxing fans, and with this victory, he remains on track to solidify his legacy further. As he prepares for the showdown with Crawford, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if Alvarez can continue his reign atop the super-middleweight division.
In conclusion, Canelo Alvarez's triumph over William Scull not only marked a significant achievement in his career but also set the stage for a thrilling future in the boxing landscape. With his eyes set on Crawford, fans can expect an electrifying matchup that promises to deliver excitement and drama in the ring.
