Canelo Alvarez became a two-time undisputed super-middleweight champion on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after defeating William Scull by unanimous decision at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109, with Alvarez delivering a performance that showcased his experience and skill against a younger, unbeaten challenger.
Alvarez, a Mexican boxing icon, entered the ring with a record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 knockouts. He was defending his unified WBA, WBC, and WBO titles while also seeking to reclaim the IBF belt that he had vacated in 2024 to face Edgar Berlanga. Scull, on the other hand, came into the fight undefeated at 23-0 with 9 knockouts, having earned the IBF title with a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Shishkin in October 2024.
The fight, which was highly anticipated as part of the Cinco de Mayo weekend festivities, was a tactical affair. Alvarez, at 34 years old, relied on his power punches to the body while stalking the elusive Scull around the ring. Scull, 32, focused on defense and counter-punching, but his reluctance to engage made it challenging for him to score effectively.
In the early rounds, both fighters were cautious, feeling each other out. Scull managed to land a few jabs, but Alvarez responded with powerful body shots that began to take their toll. By the middle rounds, Alvarez's experience began to shine through as he controlled the pace of the fight, landing significant blows while Scull's output dwindled.
Despite showing flashes of skill, Scull struggled to find his rhythm. Alvarez's ability to cut off the ring and apply pressure forced Scull into a defensive posture. Alvarez's strategy of targeting the body paid dividends, as he consistently landed shots that visibly affected Scull's movement.
As the fight progressed, Alvarez's dominance became more apparent. He effectively mixed his punches, using combinations that kept Scull on the back foot. The judges' scorecards reflected Alvarez's control, with one judge scoring the bout much wider than the others, indicating the disparity in action.
Post-fight, Alvarez expressed satisfaction with his performance but also noted the frustrating nature of Scull's approach. “That’s why I don’t like to fight those kinds of guys, they come just to survive, just to do the 12 rounds,” he said. “I hope September [brings] another kind of fight.”
Looking ahead, Alvarez's victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 12, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Crawford, a fellow pound-for-pound star, was present at the fight and expressed his eagerness to face Alvarez. “I’m feeling great, I’m feeling blessed, everything’s happened for a reason,” Crawford said. “September, I’m gonna show the world what greatness looks like.”
In the co-main event, Badou Jack retained his WBC cruiserweight title with a majority decision victory over Noel Mikaelian. The judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113, and 115-113, showcasing a competitive contest where Jack's experience played a crucial role.
In another notable fight, Jaime Munguia avenged his previous loss to Bruno Surace, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 117-111. Munguia's performance was marked by aggressive body work that ultimately overwhelmed Surace, who had previously handed Munguia a knockout defeat.
The undercard also featured a majority draw between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba, as well as victories for Brayan Leon and Richard Riakporhe. Leon defeated Aaron Rocha Guerrero by unanimous decision, while Riakporhe stopped Kevin Nicolas Espindola in the fourth round.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, drawing attention not only for Alvarez’s title defense but also for the implications it holds for the future of boxing's super middleweight division. Alvarez's ability to reclaim his undisputed status solidifies his legacy while setting up one of the most anticipated matchups in recent boxing history.
As boxing fans eagerly await the showdown between Alvarez and Crawford, the fight against Scull will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Alvarez's career, reaffirming his status as one of the sport's elite fighters.
