Alvarez sets up a bout with ex-welterweight champ Terrence Crawford after beating Scull by unanimous decision.
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has re-unified the IBF super middleweight championship by winning his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO belts with a decisive victory over William Scull, setting the stage for a showdown with former welterweight champion Terence Crawford in September.
Cuba’s Scull, who had the advantage in height and reach over Alvarez, was unable to counter the Mexican’s methodical approach and relentless body shots, resulting in the first loss of his professional boxing career on Sunday.
Post-fight, Alvarez expressed frustration with the match, calling it a dull contest where Scull prioritized survival over victory, something Alcala dislikes.
By defeating Scull, Alvarez, who was stripped of the IBF strap last year for choosing to fight Edgar Berlanga over the sanctioned number-one contender, has now become the undisputed 168-pound champion for the second time.
Despite Scull’s quick movements, Alvarez’s assault proved too much as the Mexican dominated with strong body blows in the early rounds, leaving Scull struggling to maintain balance.
Alvarez, fighting outside his usual venues of the United States and Mexico for the first time, faced a resilient Scull in the fifth round but managed to maintain his dominance throughout the match.
Warned by his corner to prevent Scull from gaining confidence, Alvarez delivered a series of powerful combinations to the body and a significant lead left hook near the ropes in the eighth round.
Alvarez’s victory was characterized by his ability to land 40 body blows while Scull could only manage six, securing the 63rd win of his career.
At 34, Alvarez now boasts a record of 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts, continuing his tradition of fighting during the Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo.
Expressing excitement for his upcoming fight, Alvarez looks forward to facing undefeated Crawford in Las Vegas, praising Crawford as one of the best fighters around.
Crawford, who became the undisputed welterweight champion with a knockout win over Errol Spence Jr in 2023, expressed readiness and eagerness to face Alvarez, promising to show the world what greatness looks like.
Alvarez recently signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Seasons promotion in Saudi Arabia, a country increasingly investing in sports as part of its broad strategy to engage with the global sporting community, amidst criticism regarding human rights concerns.
Alongside its investment in boxing, Saudi Arabia has also hosted high-profile events like Formula One, LIV Golf, and lined up to host the 2034 football World Cup, showcasing its ambition in the sporting world.
