As the boxing world gears up for a highly anticipated showdown, William Scull is brimming with confidence ahead of his fight against Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez on May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This match is set to be historic, as it marks Canelo's first bout outside of Mexico and the United States, where he will defend his three world titles in the super middleweight division against Scull, who holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title.
Scull, a Cuban boxer, has been vocal about his aspirations for this fight. He has stated that upon winning, he plans to pay homage to Canelo by saying, "You are my idol." This sentiment reflects both his admiration for the Mexican champion and his determination to emerge victorious.
In a recent press conference, Scull acknowledged the magnitude of the upcoming fight, admitting that he initially found the challenge daunting. "At first, I saw it as complicated, being up against a reference in boxing. But this is a combat sport, and there has to be a winner," he said. Despite the odds stacked against him, Scull is resolute in his belief that he can defeat Canelo, a fighter who has not lost since May 7, 2022, when he faced Dmitry Bivol.
On the other hand, Canelo has been preparing rigorously for this match, announcing on his Instagram that he will be away from the American continent for three weeks leading up to the fight. He has set a training schedule that includes early morning workouts to acclimate to the time difference in Saudi Arabia, where the fight will commence at 6:00 AM local time on May 4, 2025.
"Three weeks away," Canelo posted, alongside a countdown clock for the fight. This preparation is crucial as he aims to unify all the super middleweight championships for the second time in his career. He will put his WBC, WBA, and WBO titles on the line against Scull's IBF title, with the prestigious The Ring championship also at stake.
The fight, dubbed "Fatal Fury," will not only feature Canelo and Scull but also include other notable bouts on the card. Jaime Munguía is set to have his rematch against Bruno Surace, who previously defeated him by knockout in December 2024. Additionally, Marco Verde, a silver medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, will make his professional debut against Michel Polina.
While many experts view Canelo as the overwhelming favorite, Scull remains unfazed by the skepticism surrounding his chances. Eduardo Camarena, a boxing analyst, expressed doubt about Scull's ability to challenge Canelo effectively, stating, "Scull does not have the necessary career or fights to complicate Canelo's path to unification." However, Scull's confidence and preparation suggest he is ready to prove his critics wrong.
Scull's journey to this title fight has been marked by hard work and dedication. He has trained meticulously, drawing on his amateur and professional experience, despite not having faced opponents of Canelo's caliber before. "We feel mentally calm and very prepared. All this preparation gives me a lot of confidence," Scull stated, emphasizing the importance of his training leading up to this pivotal moment.
As the fight date approaches, the excitement builds, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash between these two talented boxers. Canelo's last fight on September 14, 2024, saw him secure a unanimous decision victory against Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's elite fighters.
Looking ahead, Canelo is expected to face Terence Crawford in September 2025, with potential rivals for 2026 including Dmitry Bivol, Chris Eubank Jr., and Conor Benn. The outcome of the fight against Scull could significantly impact Canelo's future matchups and legacy in the sport.
In the lead-up to this monumental event, both fighters are focused on their respective goals. For Scull, it’s about seizing the opportunity to become the undisputed champion at 168 pounds, while for Canelo, it’s about maintaining his dominance and solidifying his legacy as one of boxing's all-time greats.
As the countdown to May 3 continues, the boxing community holds its breath, eager to see whether Scull can deliver on his promise or if Canelo will once again prove why he is considered the face of boxing today.
