In a breathtaking display of national pride, Mexican singer Majo Aguilar delivered a stunning rendition of the Mexican National Anthem at the highly anticipated boxing match between Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez and William Scull, held on May 3, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This performance marked a significant moment not only for Aguilar but also for fans of boxing and Mexican culture around the world.
Having not fought in seven months, Canelo Álvarez returned to the ring with the ambition of becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion. He entered the bout holding three prestigious titles: the WBA, WBC, and WBO belts, while Scull was the reigning IBF champion. As one of the most celebrated boxers in the world, Canelo was the clear favorite going into the fight, which was held in a venue capable of accommodating up to 20,000 fans.
Majo Aguilar, a 30-year-old singer and songwriter from Mexico City, stepped onto the stage with a sense of duty and excitement. Known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, she is part of the renowned Aguilar family, being the niece of famous singer Pepe Aguilar and cousin to Ángela Aguilar. Her musical style encompasses mariachi and ranchero, and she has received two Latin Grammy nominations in 2022 and 2023 for her work in the genre.
Before the fight, Aguilar expressed her enthusiasm on social media, stating, "We arrived. Ready to perform our Anthem with all my heart," alongside images of her proudly holding the Mexican flag in the streets of Riyadh. Her post quickly garnered over 50,000 likes and numerous supportive comments from fans, who praised her talent and expressed their excitement for her performance.
As the crowd settled, Aguilar took center stage, singing the anthem flawlessly, which resonated deeply with the audience both in the arena and those watching from afar. This moment was particularly poignant, as it represented a connection to Mexico, despite being thousands of miles away. Aguilar's performance was a vital part of the event, symbolizing national pride and unity.
Her rendition was met with a standing ovation, highlighting the emotional impact of her performance. Aguilar, reflecting on the significance of the moment, said, "It’s our national pride, and I’m very happy to be here. This is my first time at such an important event, and I always try to appeal to my heart, interpreting it as it is, with the pride of so much time we’ve been performing it." This sentiment resonated with many attendees who shared the experience through social media, calling it "epic" and expressing their pride in seeing the Mexican flag represented on such a grand stage.
Aguilar's participation in the event was not without controversy. She faced criticism for allegedly skipping a scheduled performance at the "Viva La Fiesta" festival in Odessa, Texas, on May 2, 2025, to take part in the boxing match. This decision sparked conversations on social media, with some fans expressing disappointment over her absence from the Texas event, where she was set to perform alongside Grupo Duelo.
Despite the mixed responses, Aguilar's performance at the boxing match became a defining moment in her career. Following in the footsteps of other notable artists like Manuel Mijares and Camila Fernández, who have also sung the anthem at Canelo's fights, Aguilar's appearance solidified her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
As the boxing match commenced, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The undercard fights began at 5:00 PM Central Mexico time, while the main event was expected to start around 9:00 PM. Canelo Álvarez, aiming for victory, was under immense pressure to perform well after his hiatus from the ring.
However, the fight itself was not broadcast live in Mexico due to exclusive rights held by DAZN, the streaming service that secured a contract with Canelo's team. This led to frustration among fans who were eager to watch the fight in real time, as they were forced to wait for delayed broadcasts instead.
As the night unfolded, the excitement surrounding the match was palpable. Canelo Álvarez, known for his resilience and skill, faced William Scull in what promised to be an exhilarating showdown. Fans in attendance and those tuning in from Mexico and around the world were united in their support for Canelo, bolstered by Aguilar's stirring performance that had just preceded the fight.
The event not only showcased the athletic prowess of Canelo but also highlighted the cultural significance of Aguilar's performance, bridging the gap between sports and national identity. Aguilar's ability to connect with the audience through her music added a layer of depth to the sporting event, making it a memorable night for many.
In the end, the combination of Canelo's return to the ring and Aguilar's heartfelt rendition of the national anthem created a moment that resonated with fans on multiple levels. As the boxing world continues to evolve, performances like Aguilar's remind us of the rich cultural tapestry that accompanies such events, celebrating not just the sport but also the pride of a nation.
