Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez attracted millions of eyes on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as he faced off against Cuban boxer William Scull at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight marked Canelo's first bout of the year, and it was set to be a significant event, especially since it was held outside of the United States, where Canelo has traditionally fought. The anticipation surrounding the match was heightened by the fact that Canelo had extended a special invitation to football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. However, the Portuguese forward was unlikely to attend due to his team's recent elimination from the AFC Champions League, where they lost 3-2 to Kawasaki Frontale.
Before the fight, Canelo was asked about Ronaldo's potential attendance, to which he replied, "They’re seeing what just happened with soccer, but I hope he can be here. If not, there will be another time; it won’t be the last chance." This statement reflected Canelo's hope that Ronaldo, who has a good relationship with the boxer, could still make it to the event despite his team's disappointing exit from the tournament.
One of Canelo's conditions for agreeing to fight in Saudi Arabia was that the match be scheduled at a favorable time for his fans in Mexico. The fight was set to take place early on Sunday, May 4, at approximately 6:00 AM local time in Riyadh, which translates to around 22:00 hours on Saturday in Mexico. Fans in Mexico could catch the action live on Azteca 7 and Canal 5, while DAZN held the global broadcasting rights.
As the fight approached, speculation about Ronaldo's attendance grew, especially given his close ties with Canelo and the fact that his son, Cristiano Jr., is a fan of the Mexican boxer. Canelo had previously expressed confidence that Ronaldo would attend, stating, "Yes, of course, we talked. He’s going to be there, obviously. I’m going to visit him at his training now that he’s there, and he has to be at the fight." However, as the event unfolded, it became clear that Ronaldo would not be present, leaving many fans disappointed.
Despite the absence of Ronaldo, the fight still drew a significant crowd, including other notable figures from the sports world. Legendary Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez was in attendance, along with unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and British heavyweight Anthony Joshua. Also spotted at the event was Fernando Hierro, the former sports director of Chivas, who has recently taken on a role in Saudi Arabian football.
Canelo's fight against Scull was more than just a personal milestone; it was a crucial match for the boxing landscape. The bout featured four super middleweight titles, with Canelo defending his AMB, CMB, and OMB titles against Scull, who held the FIB title. The stakes were high, and the fight was anticipated to be one of the most significant sporting events in Saudi Arabia this year.
As the match began, fans were eager to see if Canelo could secure another victory and solidify his status as the undisputed champion of the 168-pound weight class. The fight showcased Canelo's dominant skills, and he ultimately won by unanimous decision after twelve rounds, adding the FIB title to his collection. This victory not only reaffirmed Canelo's prowess in the ring but also highlighted the growing prominence of boxing in Saudi Arabia.
In the aftermath of the fight, Canelo expressed his gratitude to the fans and acknowledged the importance of the event. He stated, "It was a great night, and I’m happy to have fought in front of such an enthusiastic crowd. I hope to continue bringing exciting fights to my fans, whether in Mexico or here in Saudi Arabia." Canelo's success in this match is expected to pave the way for future high-profile bouts, including a much-anticipated matchup against Terence Crawford scheduled for September 2025 in Las Vegas.
While the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo was a talking point, the event still managed to capture the attention of sports fans worldwide. The presence of other boxing legends and the successful execution of the event underscored the potential for Saudi Arabia to become a new hub for major boxing matches. As Canelo continues to build his legacy, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this boxing icon.
In conclusion, Canelo Álvarez's victory over William Scull not only solidified his position as a champion but also marked a significant moment in the world of boxing, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key player in hosting major sporting events. Despite the disappointment of not seeing Cristiano Ronaldo in attendance, the fight was a resounding success, showcasing the growing interest in boxing in the region and setting the stage for future matchups.
