Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez is gearing up for an electrifying showdown as he prepares to face off against William Scull on May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Mexican boxing champion has made headlines not just for his skills in the ring, but also for announcing a surprise guest for the event: none other than Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The collaboration between these two sporting icons has fans buzzing with excitement, as both are considered among the best in their respective sports.
The fight is set to be a historic occasion, with Canelo defending his titles from the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) against Scull, who holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title. This bout is particularly significant as it represents an opportunity for Canelo to unify the super middleweight division.
In a recent interview with TUDN, Canelo expressed his enthusiasm for Ronaldo's attendance, stating, "Ya hablamos con CR7 y ahí va a estar. No hay dudas y obviamente será un honor que pueda acompañarnos a esta pelea tan importante para mí." This translates to, "We’ve already talked with CR7 and he will be there. There’s no doubt and it will obviously be an honor for him to accompany us to this fight that is so important for me." His words reflect not only his excitement but also the special bond he shares with the soccer star.
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at the fight adds an extra layer of glamour and intrigue to the event. Known for his love of boxing, Ronaldo has previously attended high-profile matches, including the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout in 2024. Canelo noted, "Voy a visitarlo a sus entrenamientos ahora que esté ahí y por supuesto que luego va a ir a la pelea," which means, "I will visit him at his training now that he is there, and of course, he will go to the fight afterward." This camaraderie between the two athletes is evident, as Canelo revealed that Ronaldo's son has been a fan of his for years.
As the fight date approaches, anticipation is building. Canelo, who has been a dominant force in boxing, is looking to solidify his legacy further with this match. The stakes are high, not just for him but also for Scull, who is determined to dethrone the champion. This fight is expected to draw significant attention not only from boxing fans but also from sports enthusiasts across the globe.
Moreover, the event will take place in Riyadh, a city that has become a focal point for major sporting events, thanks to Saudi Arabia's growing investment in sports and entertainment. The luxurious setting is expected to enhance the overall experience for attendees, with Canelo's fight serving as a key highlight.
In addition to the fight itself, the allure of celebrity guests like Ronaldo adds to the spectacle. Fans are eager to see how the dynamics unfold, especially with the backdrop of Saudi Arabia's lavish lifestyle and the increasing popularity of boxing in the region. Canelo's friendship with Ronaldo, who is closely connected to the Saudi entertainment scene, only adds to the excitement surrounding the event.
This matchup is not just about titles; it's about two champions from different sports coming together, showcasing their mutual respect and admiration. Both athletes have expressed their support for one another, further blurring the lines between sports and celebrity culture.
As Canelo prepares for this pivotal fight, he remains focused on his training while also enjoying the camaraderie with Ronaldo. The boxing world will be watching closely as this event unfolds, with both fighters looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
Overall, the anticipation for the fight between Canelo Álvarez and William Scull continues to grow, especially with the added excitement of Cristiano Ronaldo's presence. Fans are eagerly counting down the days to May 3, when the ring in Riyadh will host not just a championship bout, but a celebration of sportsmanship and friendship between two of the greatest athletes of our time.