Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez returned to the boxing ring in spectacular fashion on May 3, 2025, reclaiming his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion after a decisive victory over Cuban contender William Scull. The fight, held at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was part of the Riyadh Season, a Saudi initiative aimed at establishing the country as a global sports hub.
After more than seven months away from the ring, Álvarez was determined to recover the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title he lost in 2024. The bout showcased Álvarez's skill and resilience, as he won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109.
Despite Scull entering the fight with an impressive undefeated record of 23 wins (9 by knockout), he struggled to match the intensity and experience of Álvarez. "I hate fighting against that style of boxer," Álvarez remarked after the fight, reflecting on Scull's evasive tactics that made the bout challenging at times.
As the fight progressed, it became evident that Álvarez was in control. The early rounds were characterized by a cautious approach, with both fighters testing each other. Scull attempted to keep his distance, throwing numerous punches but landing few. In contrast, Álvarez focused on body shots, gradually building momentum.
The action heated up in the later rounds, with Álvarez landing significant strikes while Scull continued to evade. By the twelfth round, the crowd was electrified as Álvarez pressed forward, demonstrating his dominance and leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Following the fight, promotional efforts for Álvarez's next bout against Terence Crawford were swiftly underway. Scheduled for September 12, 2025, this matchup will take place during Mexico's Independence Day celebrations, further elevating its significance. "I can't wait to defend my title against Crawford," Álvarez stated, clearly excited about the upcoming challenge.
The event in Saudi Arabia not only highlighted Álvarez's return but also featured an impressive undercard, including notable fights such as Jaime Munguía vs. Bruno Surace, Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelyan, and Marco Verde's professional debut. The atmosphere was electric, with fans and celebrities alike filling the arena to witness the action.
Among the notable attendees were boxing legends like Julio César Chávez and Dmitry Bivol, both of whom received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. British heavyweight Anthony Joshua was also present, sharing that he would undergo elbow surgery later in May, while Terence Crawford's attendance served as a reminder of the rivalry brewing between him and Álvarez.
Despite the excitement surrounding the fight, the broadcast arrangements in Mexico were less than ideal. The match was not aired live, but viewers could catch it on networks like TV Azteca and Televisa, with a delayed broadcast approximately an hour after the event concluded. This marked a significant change for Álvarez, as it was the first time one of his fights was not available live in his home country.
As the dust settles from this thrilling encounter, Canelo Álvarez stands at a professional record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts. His journey in boxing began at the tender age of 15, and since then, he has amassed 19 world titles across four weight divisions: super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. His only losses came against two of the sport's elite: Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol.
With the victory over Scull, Álvarez not only reclaimed his title but also solidified his legacy as one of the modern greats of boxing. As he prepares for his next challenge against Crawford, fans are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.
In conclusion, the fight between Canelo Álvarez and William Scull served as a reminder of Álvarez's prowess in the ring and his ability to bounce back after setbacks. The upcoming bout against Crawford promises to be another thrilling chapter in his illustrious career, and fans around the world are already marking their calendars for September 12.
