Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has made headlines once again after regaining the undisputed super-middleweight title by defeating William Scull in a points decision during a match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory marks a significant milestone for Alvarez as he prepares for a much-anticipated showdown with fellow boxing star Terence Crawford, scheduled to take place in September at the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Alvarez’s latest fight, while not the most thrilling in terms of action, showcased his ability to adapt strategies against Scull, who was determined to evade confrontation. Scull’s evasive tactics kept Alvarez at bay, leading to a match that some described as dull. Scull employed movement and tactical potshots, managing to frustrate the Mexican boxer throughout the 12 rounds. Nonetheless, Alvarez’s powerful body shots ultimately swayed the judges, resulting in scorecards reading 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109 in favor of Alvarez.
Reflecting on the match, Alvarez expressed his dissatisfaction, characterizing it as frustrating due to Scull’s evasive approach. “It was a boring fight. A fighter not trying to win and just trying to survive. I hate those kinds of fighters,” he lamented. His irritation was evident as he indicated his desire for a more competitive experience in future matches.
In a post-fight encounter, Crawford entered the ring to pose with Alvarez, setting the stage for their upcoming clash. Crawford, a renowned four-division champion, will be moving up from light-middleweight to challenge for Alvarez’s titles. Despite Crawford’s impressive record of 41 wins and being a reigning champion, many analysts believe he could be the underdog in this prestigious bout due to the weight disparity.
Following his victory, Alvarez celebrated achieving his 63rd professional win, with two losses and two draws, while also inflicting Scull’s first career defeat. His resounding success has re-established him as a formidable figure in boxing, joining the ranks of legendary boxers who have also become two-time undisputed champions in the four-belt era.
Despite recent controversies surrounding Alvarez, including losing the IBF belt due to a missed bout with Scull last year, he emphasized the importance of this upcoming fight with Crawford. “It would be a pleasure to defend all four recognized world titles against Crawford,” Alvarez stated, acknowledging Crawford’s status as one of the best in the sport.
While the boxing community eagerly anticipates this matchup, there are whispers of Alvarez potentially avoiding a fight with unbeaten American fighter David Benavidez, nicknamed ‘The Mexican Monster,’ who has garnered a reputation for his aggressive style and impressive knockout record. Fans are left with mixed feelings, as they express hopes that Alvarez will seek out tough challengers moving forward.
In conclusion, Alvarez’s recent win against Scull, while not the most exhilarating, sets the stage for what many are calling the “biggest fight of the past decade” against Terence Crawford this September. As the narrative builds, the fight is expected to attract significant attention and potentially shatter box office records, continuing to shape the legacies of both fighters in the world of boxing.