On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the boxing world turns its eyes to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez steps into the ring to defend his undisputed super middleweight championship against the unbeaten William Scull. This highly anticipated bout, which will unfold at the ANB Arena, marks a significant moment in Álvarez's career, as he seeks to reclaim the IBF title he lost in 2023 after refusing to face Scull. With a record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, Canelo aims to solidify his legacy as he faces the formidable challenge posed by the Cuban fighter.
Currently, Canelo holds three of the four major titles in the division—the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts—while Scull, boasting an undefeated record of 23-0 with 9 knockouts, holds the IBF title. The stakes are high; not only is Canelo looking to regain a championship belt, but he is also preparing for a future mega-fight against Terence Crawford in September 2025.
Scheduled for an 11 PM ET ring walk, the Canelo vs. Scull fight will be available for pay-per-view on DAZN at a price of $59.99. This event is part of a larger boxing weekend, which includes Ryan Garcia's return to the ring against Rolando "Rolly" Romero on May 2, 2025, in New York City.
The buzz around the fight is palpable, but not all fans are convinced of its importance. Critics have labeled the matchup as a "mismatch," arguing that Scull, while undefeated, lacks the high-profile experience that would make him a worthy opponent for a champion of Canelo's caliber. Many fans have expressed disappointment on social media, questioning why Canelo is not facing more formidable opponents, such as David Benavidez or Dmitry Bivol, instead of Scull.
Canelo's trainer, Eddy Reynoso, has emphasized the importance of this fight, stating, "He’s a world champion and I want to be undisputed champion again. He has that Cuban school. It’s very complicated. He knows how to use the ring, he has a very good jab, he has qualities.” This sentiment reflects the respect Canelo has for his opponent, despite the prevailing skepticism among fans.
As Canelo prepares for this bout, he is keenly aware of the implications it holds for his career. At 34 years old, and with a height of 5'7.5" and a reach of 70.5 inches, Canelo is at a critical juncture. He has demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout his career, evolving into a four-division champion who has faced and defeated some of the best in the sport. However, he has not scored a knockout since 2021, raising questions about his current power and effectiveness in the ring.
On the other hand, William Scull, nicknamed "The Untamed," brings his own set of challenges to the fight. At 32 years old, standing at 5'11.5" with a reach of 73 inches, Scull has built a career largely under the radar, fighting primarily in Germany. His recent victory over Vladimir Shishkin by unanimous decision has positioned him as a notable contender, but many fans remain skeptical of his ability to compete at the highest level.
Scull's defensive style has earned him a reputation for being elusive, effectively avoiding clean punches. However, his offensive capabilities have been criticized as lacking the intimidation factor necessary to challenge a seasoned champion like Canelo. If Scull hopes to pull off an upset, he will need to adopt a more aggressive approach than he has shown in previous bouts.
The undercard for the Canelo vs. Scull event features several intriguing matchups, including a rematch between Jaime Munguia and Bruno Surace, as well as a WBC cruiserweight title defense by Badou Jack against Noel Mikaelian. This lineup adds further excitement to an already significant night in boxing.
As the fight draws near, the anticipation is building. Canelo has opened as a heavy favorite, with odds reaching as high as -5500, while Scull sits at +1300. Many experts predict that Canelo will dominate the bout, possibly finishing Scull before the championship rounds. However, the unpredictability of boxing means anything can happen once the bell rings.
Beyond the immediate stakes, this fight serves as a crucial stepping stone for Canelo as he eyes his next challenge against Terence Crawford. The outcome against Scull could significantly influence the narrative heading into that highly anticipated matchup.
In conclusion, as the boxing community gears up for this clash in Riyadh, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: will Canelo Alvarez reaffirm his status as the undisputed champion, or will William Scull deliver a shocking upset that could reshape the landscape of super middleweight boxing? The answers will come on May 3, and the world will be watching.
